Biblical expectations for elders emphasize their role as spiritual leaders in the congregation. Elders must embody the requirements of an overseer as described in 1 Timothy 3, which states: “An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy. He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil. Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.”

All Elders must be committed to Christ-like living and faithful stewards of the church community entrusted to their care.

Local Elders focus on three essential areas of responsibility: pastoral care, specific expertise, and financial stewardship.

1. Church Unity & Pastoral Care: Local Elders assist the lead pastor and staff in addressing and resolving any issues that may arise and threaten the unity of the church. They will work to promote understanding and reconciliation among members and offer pastoral care as needed.

2. Subject Matter Expertise: Local Elders contribute their unique experience and gifts to further the church’s mission. This may involve leading Bible studies, participating in serve teams, or offering strategic insights to the Lead Pastor or staff as needed.

3. Regional Participation: All Local Elders are required to attend a regional meeting with the Senior Pastor and Lead Pastors in the Spring and Fall of each year. Following each of these regional meetings, Local Elders assist with an all-church member’s meeting to inform and inspire their local congregations.

As a local elder, I understand the importance of regular meetings and active participation in the life of the church. I commit to the following responsibilities in this regard:

1. Meetings: I agree to attend local elder meetings. I acknowledge the importance of my presence and will make every effort to attend these meetings, recognizing that they are crucial for maintaining effective communication and collaboration among the elder team.

2. Schedule Accommodations: I understand that the lead pastor will make every effort to accommodate the schedules of all local elders when planning meetings. I commit to being flexible and working together with the lead pastor and other elders to find suitable meeting times.

3. Non-Formal Communication: I acknowledge the importance of keeping up with non-formal communication from the lead pastor, which may include texts, emails, or action items related to ongoing projects. I will make a conscious effort to promptly respond to such communication and actively engage in the tasks assigned to me.

4. Active Involvement: As a local elder, I recognize that my active involvement in the church community is essential for our collective spiritual growth and well-being. I commit to maintaining a visible presence within the congregation and engaging in church activities, ministries, and events.

Local Elders serve at the appointment and direction of the Location Lead Pastor. While there are no term limits, Local Elders will review their terms of service with the Lead Pastor on an annual basis. Should an Elder want to resign in good standing, 30 days’ notice directly provided to the Lead Pastor is required. Should a member be removed due to a violation of any of the above expectations or for violating any policy of Vintage Church, a separate decision will be made as to whether they will be allowed to remain a member of Vintage Church. This decision will be made by the Local Elder team and approved by the Lead Pastor. Unrepentant sin, disunity, and failure to remain an active member of Vintage Church are grounds for immediate removal from the Local Elder Team and/or the church. All removals are at the sole discretion of the lead pastor and regional senior pastor. All decisions are final and once an elder has been removed for cause, they will not be allowed to be nominated and serve as an elder in the future. All elders must take seriously their commitment to lead others in the best interest of the church as led through their lead pastor under the ultimate authority of the Governing Board of Elders.