Our model for Leadership
The following is a brief outline of the leadership structure at Hope Chapel. Over the years we have become increasingly convinced that a Plurality of Elders best describes the New Testament model. In no way do we feel this is the only model or a superior model, but it is what we believe appropriately fits this body. Sometimes we refer to it as “balanced leadership” where each elder is co-equal in authority but unique in gifting.
A plurality of leaders has its own inherent value as a system of checks and balances. It is a practical way to submit to one another, care for one another, and bear one another’s burdens. It also evens out the workload in accordance with 1 Cor 12 and Rom 12; there’s less chance for burnout because one person isn’t shouldering all or most of the responsibility.
Furthermore, a plurality of leadership facilitates organic growth. When the time comes for the church to multiply by planting another church body, there are ruling elders ready to lead the new body who are known by the church, experienced in their leadership, and qualified to teach. Paul sent established elders into the new churches to organize them and to appoint other elders before they moved on, as with Titus at Crete (Titus 1:5)
We hope this leadership model reflects the loving equality that existed between the apostles, with Christ as Head over all, and with each striving to be servant of all. The following Scriptures are the basis for eldership in Hope Chapel and we hope this serves to give a broad understanding of how leadership functions at Hope Chapel.
A plurality of leaders has its own inherent value as a system of checks and balances. It is a practical way to submit to one another, care for one another, and bear one another’s burdens. It also evens out the workload in accordance with 1 Cor 12 and Rom 12; there’s less chance for burnout because one person isn’t shouldering all or most of the responsibility.
Furthermore, a plurality of leadership facilitates organic growth. When the time comes for the church to multiply by planting another church body, there are ruling elders ready to lead the new body who are known by the church, experienced in their leadership, and qualified to teach. Paul sent established elders into the new churches to organize them and to appoint other elders before they moved on, as with Titus at Crete (Titus 1:5)
We hope this leadership model reflects the loving equality that existed between the apostles, with Christ as Head over all, and with each striving to be servant of all. The following Scriptures are the basis for eldership in Hope Chapel and we hope this serves to give a broad understanding of how leadership functions at Hope Chapel.
The Head of the Church
Jesus Christ is the head of the church from which our church leadership derives its authority and submits to His will. We believe all ministry begins here and therefore our structure of eldership keeps the priority of Christ in full view.
(John 10:16, Eph 1:22, Col 1:18, Heb 4:14, 1 Pet 2:6)
(John 10:16, Eph 1:22, Col 1:18, Heb 4:14, 1 Pet 2:6)
Basis for Eldership in the N.T.
The N.T. clearly points out when it comes to leadership that pastoral oversight is by a council of elders. In other words a plurality of leadership is the Biblical model.
- Elders are found in the churches of Judea and surrounding area. (Acts 11:30; James 5:14, 15)
- Elders governed the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15, 21)
- A plurality of elders was established in the Pauline churches in Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch (Acts 14:20-23); in the church of Ephesus (Acts 20:17; 1 Tim 3:1-7; 5:17-25) in the church in Philippi (Phil. 1:1); and in the churches on the Island of Crete (Titus 1:5)
- According to the letter of 1 Peter, elders existed in the churches of northwestern Asia Minor: Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1Peter 5:1)
Qualifications for Elder
We believe that the local church is to be led or governed by a group of elders. These are men, who qualify according to the Biblical standard for elders/overseers/pastors (Acts 14:23; 20:17,28; Eph 4:11; Titus 1:5; 1 Pet 5:1-4).
These men are also Biblically qualified based on 1 Tim 3:1-72 and Titus 1:5-9.
These men are also Biblically qualified based on 1 Tim 3:1-72 and Titus 1:5-9.
Decision-Making
The elders of Hope Chapel act jointly as a council and equally share the responsibility for the leadership of the church to include decisions on spiritual matters of doctrine, practice, and essential policy within the church.
It is not their job to determine their own will, or the will of the people, but the will of the Lord. Decisions are reached by unanimity, not majority, where we believe the mind of the Lord is best manifested.
It is not their job to determine their own will, or the will of the people, but the will of the Lord. Decisions are reached by unanimity, not majority, where we believe the mind of the Lord is best manifested.
Responsibilities of the Elders
We believe it is the unique responsibilities of our leaders to…
ELDERS are primarily involved in focusing on the spiritual needs of the body. They are to ensure that the saints are properly equipped for the work of ministry, for edifying (building up) the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God — to a mature believer — to the measure of the full stature of Christ (Eph 4.3). Therefore, we believe it is the primary responsibilities of our elders to…
ELDERS are primarily involved in focusing on the spiritual needs of the body. They are to ensure that the saints are properly equipped for the work of ministry, for edifying (building up) the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God — to a mature believer — to the measure of the full stature of Christ (Eph 4.3). Therefore, we believe it is the primary responsibilities of our elders to…
1) IDENTIFY AND INSTILL GOD'S CURRENT VISION FOR HOPE CHAPEL.
2) PROVIDE PREACHING THAT PROVOKES A LOVE FOR GOD'S WORD AND GOD'S PEOPLE.
3) PROVIDE TEACHING THAT FOSTERS SOUND DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE.
4) IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP LEADERS.
5) PROVIDE CARE THAT PROMOTES UNITY AND PRESERVES THE BODY.
6) SUPPLY STEWARDSHIP THAT ALIGNS OUR RESOURCES WITH OUR VISION.
2) PROVIDE PREACHING THAT PROVOKES A LOVE FOR GOD'S WORD AND GOD'S PEOPLE.
3) PROVIDE TEACHING THAT FOSTERS SOUND DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE.
4) IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP LEADERS.
5) PROVIDE CARE THAT PROMOTES UNITY AND PRESERVES THE BODY.
6) SUPPLY STEWARDSHIP THAT ALIGNS OUR RESOURCES WITH OUR VISION.
deacons
DEACONS are primarily involved in SERVING and CARING for the physical and fellowship needs of the body as directed by the elders, so that elders may devote themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. Deacons are to be believers of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom the elders may appoint to their duties after testing (Act 6.3-4) Deacons are to be single-minded to “relieve human need.” According to 1Timothy 3.8-12, deacons are to be honorable (reverent /dignified /honest), not double-tongued (that is, not deceptive), not given to much wine, not greedy for private gain, holding the mystery of the faith (i.e., the doctrine of the Gospel) with a pure conscience (their conduct and character reflect well upon the Gospel; they are able to instruct and establish those who are weak in the faith; they are willing and able to refute error); having one spouse (not a polygamist); overseeing their children and their own houses well (i.e., their children are respectful, and their homes are run in an orderly and responsible way).