Elders are Servant Leaders that Oversee the ministry and membership of the church. Elders have the knowledge and ability to teach the Word. Elders are responsible for overseeing and nurturing the spiritual growth of all of the membership, and shall pray and care for the members in their charge (i.e., in their small groups, or ministries).

Deacons are Servant Leaders. The deacons are servants of the congregation, they assist the elders as requested.

Leaders are not leaders if they have no followers no matter what titles of position they hold. Leaders are people of influence, so part of the recognition and selection process comes from the people.

VVCC attempts to follow the general guidelines found in scriptures for leadership qualification and selection while understanding that the New Testament does not show only one “right way” of selecting leaders. It appears that over time there was a development in the process of how leaders were selected. In Acts 1 an Apostle was selected first by qualification, then by casting lots. Acts 6 shows how the Apostles needed to select more leaders to help with the service ministry so that they wouldn’t neglect the ministry of the Word and prayer. The people were told to choose seven qualified men (“known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.” (Acts 6:3)) Titus and Timothy were told to “appoint” leaders. It appears often that leaders were personally appointed and commissioned by “the laying on of hands” by the elders. (Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 4:14; 5:22). It is interesting to note that young Timothy was himself an “overseer” with the authority to appoint elders. It is also interesting to note that many of the leadership terms are interchangeable.

(Acts 20:17 NIV) From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.

(Acts 20:28 NIV) Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

(1 Peter 5:1-2 NIV) To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: {2} Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;

Elders are called overseers, ministers, pastors. Elders are pastor/teachers who care for the flock by overseeing them.

At VVCC we believe the church is a body led by Christ the head with a plurality of leaders overseeing the proper functioning of that body. The plurality of leaders provides a spiritual covering of protection to the members of that body.

The Bible also makes it clear that some elders were full time paid elders.

(1 Timothy 5:17-18 NIV) The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. {18} For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages."

VVCC bylaws state that the Senior Pastor will be a voting elder of VVCC as long as he is called to be the pastor of VVCC.

At VVCC the selection process begins with the nomination process. It is important that the congregation understand scriptural qualifications so that the nominating process is meaningful. Please study below “The Qualifications Checklist.”

In late June or early July of each year nominations are solicited from the members of the congregation. When a candidate has been nominated repeatedly we send the candidate a letter informing them of the nomination (at VVCC we consider the nominations after a candidate has been nominated by three people or more). A qualifications questionnaire is sent with the letter asking the nominee to attend a 3 hour orientation that explains the qualifications and expectations for leaders. If the candidate still desires the position, they then submit their questionnaire and it is considered by the elders.

After the orientation, and after the qualification questionnaire is filled out by the candidate and accepted by the eldership the candidates are presented to the membership for approval on the second Sunday of September. They must have a 75% majority vote to serve. They serve a two year term.

The position of deacon is not to be viewed as the position of "Junior Elder". This position is not the stepping stone to eldership, nor is this position the place where leadership should be tested. In fact, 1 Timothy 3 clearly states that before someone is qualified as a deacon he must first be tested in leadership. The position of deacon is not the testing ground for eldership at all. These two positions are different. The main difference is that the deacon is a servant who does the work that frees the elder to do the ministry of the Word. Consider the reason deacons were first appointed in Acts 6. The main difference is that elders have a strong command of the Word. They are able to teach the Word correctly. Again, to Timothy, Paul said: (2 Timothy 2:15) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Because we value the plurality of leadership, at VVCC the elders and deacons serve together as the overseeing governing board until there are enough elders (9 according to our bylaws) to serve as the governing body without the deacons.

Though VVCC affirms women in roles of ministry, VVCC believes that the authoritative governing body should be MEN (consider passages like 1 Timothy 2:12; 1 Corinthians 11:3).

Is the Candidate a Servant?

(Mark 10:42-45) Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. {43} Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, {44} and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. {45} For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

(Matthew 23:8-12) "But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. {9} And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. {10} Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. {11} The greatest among you will be your servant. {12} For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

(John 13:13-18) "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. {14} Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. {15} I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. {16} I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. {17} Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. {18} "I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.'

Christ’s philosophy of leadership is understood

The person is not primarily motivated by position, title, power, authority, respect, or privilege, but by SERVICE and self-sacrifice out of love for the Lord.

The person is not looking for a position in structural authority but demonstrates spiritual authority based on attitude, character, gifting, anointing, and influence because of his service.

Is the Candidate Full of the Spirit, Faith, and Wisdom ?

(Acts 6:3) Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them

(Acts 6:5) This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

Is the Candidate Loyal and Committed to Christ, His Word, His Mission, His Church, His Methods?

(Mark 3:14-15) He appointed twelve--designating them apostles --that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach {15} and to have authority to drive out demons.

(Acts 4:13) When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

(Matthew 28:18-19) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. {19} Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Starting in the year 2,000 each candidate will be required to have completed C.L.A.S.S. 101, 201, AND 301 before being considered for the office of elder or deacon. They would have made the corresponding covenant commitments--the Membership Covenant, the Maturity Covenant, and the Ministry Covenant. The 1999 candidates are expected to take these classes and make these covenants as soon as possible.

Loyalty means looking out for the best interests of Christ and the Church. Loyalty even to the pastor often means speaking your mind, not just being a “yes man” for his best interests and in the best interest of the church.

Is the Candidate A Mentor/Model/Example of the Faith?

(1 Peter 5:1-4) To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: {2} Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; {3} not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. {4} And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Does the candidate model what is expected of the membership of the church? Does he model the commitments that are expected?

Is the Candidate Above Reproach?

(1 Timothy 3:2-7) Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, {3} not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. {4} He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. {5} (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?). . .

Have all the skeletons in the closet have been effectively dealt with by the grace and power of Christ?

The Husband of one wife and Manages his own household well: Demonstrates faithfulness and leadership in his marriage and family, his wife and family respect him.

Temperate: Alert, clear headed, aware of what’s going on.

Self Controlled: Moderate as to opinion or passion, discreet, sober.

Respectable: Well ordered and disciplined, of good behavior, consistent.

Hospitable: Fond of guests. Treats even strangers as people, opens home to people, especially assisting those who proclaim the gospel.

Not Addicted to Wine: Not addicted or controlled by any substances.

Not Violent: Literally, not a “striker,” not quarrelsome, does not seek revenge.

Gentle, Uncontentious: Peaceable, patient, kind and considerate.

Free from the love of Money: Not money focused, or greedy.

Has a good Reputation with those outside the church

The Bottom Line:

Ask, “Is there something in his life that would be a hindrance to his leadership influence in this church and community?” “Is there any known reason to question his integrity and character?” “Would his leadership help the church or hinder the church?”

Is the Candidate NOT a Recent Convert?

(1 Timothy 3:6-7) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. {7} He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

Even if a person has been a Christian for a long time, if he is still new to the congregation, this person will need time to demonstrate a proven record, trustworthy character, and agreement with the mission, methods, and ministry style of the VVCC.

Does the Candidate have Proven Ministry Ability?

(1 Timothy 3:4-5) He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. {5} (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?). . .

(1 Timothy 3:2) Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach

(Titus 1:9) He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Elders have the knowledge and ability to teach sound doctrine (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:9)

Elders must have teaching ability and experience.

Deacons must have ministry service experience.

Leaders manage their home well (wife, children, finances)

The candidate has been tested in ministry.

Does the Candidate Love God’s People ?

(John 21:15-17) When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." {16} Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." {17} The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

Is the Candidate A Team Player ?

(Philippians 2:3-4) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. {4} Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Is the candidate united with the vision for VVCC?

Does the candidate welcome accountability?

Does the Candidate “Walk with a Limp” ?

(Genesis 32:24-25) So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. {25} When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.

(Genesis 32:31) The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.

(1 Peter 5:3-5) not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. {4} And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. {5} Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

(Matthew 23:11-12) The greatest among you will be your servant. {12} For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

(James 3:13) Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Is the candidate humble? Has he learned his limitations and weaknesses? Can he identify with the weak?

“LEADERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS” As Summarized by the VVCC Bylaws (Article V):

“The leadership (minister, elders, deacons, teachers) of Verde Valley Christian Church are to be above reproach, maintaining personal purity in all activities, associations or memberships; avoiding any association which conflicts with clear biblical teaching, including those teachings concerning the taking of oaths (e.g. Matthew 5:33-37), the secrecy of activities (e.g. Ephesians 5:11-12), or mystical knowledge (e.g. Colossians 2:2-4), which are contrary to the Bible and to the public expression of our faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, which must be above all reproach. The leadership affirms that biblical doctrine is to be open and public knowledge and the Christian faith is to be a clear and public expression of the truth that Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation, that the Bible alone is our infallible guide, and that salvation comes by the gospel of grace and not by works.”

Each candidate that you nominate or approve by vote should qualify in each and every category as far as is personally known to you. If you are aware of any scriptural reasons why a particular candidate is not qualified to be an elder or a deacon please speak to an elder or pastor about it.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration during the entire selection process.