City of Refuge
Officer Nominations
1 Peter 4:10
"If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. "
Announcement
From now through August 31 nominations are being accepted from the congregation for the offices of Elder and Deacon at City of Refuge (COR). Congregants are encouraged to submit nominations by August 13 so that the application and interviewing process can begin. We are praying for the Lord to raise up godly men to serve as Elders and godly men and women to serve as Deacons for terms that will begin in January 2024.
In obedience to scripture, the COR Elders exhort all congregational members to prayerfully and diligently pursue potential candidates for these offices. Also, if you are approached for nomination, we urge you to pray fervently on this opportunity to serve as an officer in God’s house on behalf of His people. Please view this call as a possible nudge from the Lord and allow your name to be submitted for consideration.
Finally, we recognize that when people come from many different church backgrounds, there is often confusion about church leadership roles. Please use this site to learn more about what it means to serve in these roles at COR.
Nomination Timeline
1 - Nomination Period (July - August)
Nominations solicited from the congregation for Elder and Deacon
Announcements, communications, and information shared about nomination process and each role
Nominating team will provide application to nominees who are verified as members and approved by the COR Session for consideration
Deadline for nominations is August 31
2 - Application Period (August - September)
Individuals nominated prayerfully discern and determine whether to accept nomination
Individuals who accept nomination complete questionnaires
Application deadline September 30
Congregation informed in early October of nominated candidates who have accepted their nominations
3 - Vetting and Interviews (August - November)
Nominating team begins candidate vetting process as applications are received
Reviews questionnaires
Interviews candidates (and spouses)
Considers congregational information or concerns
Nominating team arranges for bios of nominees for sharing with congregation
Congregation may contact and provide information or concerns about nominated individuals to the nominating team
Nominating team informs congregation of slate of approved candidates in November
4 - Congregational Vote (December)
Congregational meeting to vote on candidates for Elder and Deacon
Each candidate for Elder and Deacon voted on separately (yes, no, abstain)
Simple majority vote (>50%) used to determine approval of Elder and Deacon candidates by congregation
5 - Officer Installation (January)
New Elders and Deacons ordained into office during service and begin to serve
Training for all new Elders and Deacons
Session and Diaconate identify new representatives to the nominating team, including Elder who will serve as team chair
Roles
Elder
Spiritual Qualifications
1 Timothy 5:17 // 1 Peter 5:1-3 // James 5:17 // Acts 20:17 // Titus 1:5-9 // 1 Timothy 3:1-7
Above reproach; faithful to his wife; having obedient children; not overbearing; not quick-tempered; not given to drunkenness; not violent; not pursuing dishonest gain; hospitable; sensible; just; devout; self-controlled; holding fast to the word; able to teach; eager to serve; not lording over those entrusted to you; examples to the flock; not quarrelsome; not a lover of money; not a recent convert; good reputation with outsiders; able to direct the affairs of the church; a shepherd of the flock
Purpose
Chosen by the congregation, Ruling Elders are to watch over the spiritual welfare of the congregation and are responsible for the oversight of the church. As under-shepherds, they should take care of and pray on behalf of all those who have a pastoral need. They must be attentive to themselves and church members, guarding against dangers to the faith and dangers to the moral life of believers. They are to see to the development of the children, encourage new members in spiritual development, inquire after inactive members, and otherwise show care for those whom they serve while working for the advancement of the Kingdom and growth in grace of all.
Additional information about this role at City of Refuge Church is available here
Elders, as all of us, are imperfect in their meeting of scriptural qualifications, fulfillment of responsibilities, and alignment with values, but they take these things seriously and strive to grow in them by the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.
Deacon
Scriptural Qualifications
Acts 6:1-7 // 1 Timothy 3:8-12 // Paul lists qualities of a deacon that are very similar to the role of elder, with the exception that deacons are not required to teach
Have integrity; not be heavy drinkers; not be dishonest with money; be committed to the faith; live with a clear conscience; be well respected, along with their spouses; not slander others; exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do
Purpose
The Diaconate serves the church by taking care of the logistical duties so the Elders can focus on their calling to lead, preach, and minister to the people. The office of Deacon is one of compassion, concern for community needs, and serving others. Deacons must have a strong heart for service. More specifically, COR Deacons serve diligently at Sunday services (offering, communion, baptisms), administer benevolence, and offer community support through prayer and other concrete means.
Additional information about this role at City of Refuge Church is available here
Deacons, as all of us, are imperfect in their meeting of scriptural qualifications, fulfillment of responsibilities, and alignment with values, but they take these things seriously and strive to grow in them by the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.