ARTICLE 1: NAME AND STATUS

1.1 The governing spiritual body of the local church shall be known as the Elders Council.

1.2 The Elders Council is a collegial body of elders appointed in accordance with Scripture and the Constitution of Evangelical Faith Church.

1.3 These Bylaws regulate the internal functioning, authority, procedures, and conduct of the Elders Council.

“They appointed elders for them in every church…” — Acts 14:23

ARTICLE 2: BIBLICAL AUTHORITY AND PRINCIPLES

2.1 The Elders Council derives its authority from Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, and exercises that authority in submission to Scripture.

2.2 The Council shall operate according to the following biblical principles:

  • Plural leadership (Acts 20:17)

  • Servant leadership (1 Peter 5:2–3)

  • Mutual accountability (Proverbs 11:14)

  • Prayerful discernment (Acts 13:1–3)

  • Doctrinal faithfulness (Titus 1:9)

ARTICLE 3: COMPOSITION

3.1 The Elders Council shall consist of not fewer than three (3) elders, where practicable.

3.2 All elders are equal in authority and accountability, regardless of functional distinctions.

3.3 The Council may include:

  • Teaching Elders

  • Ruling Elders

Functional distinctions do not confer hierarchical superiority.

“Not lording it over those entrusted to you.” — 1 Peter 5:3

ARTICLE 4: QUALIFICATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY

4.1 Every elder must meet the biblical qualifications set out in:

  • 1 Timothy 3:1–7

  • Titus 1:5–9

4.2 No person shall serve as an elder who:

  • Is a recent convert

  • Is under church discipline

  • Does not affirm the church’s Statement of Faith

  • Is disqualified by conduct or doctrine

ARTICLE 5: APPOINTMENT AND TENURE

5.1 Elders shall be appointed following:

  • Prayerful identification

  • Assessment and training

  • Congregational affirmation

  • Public commissioning with prayer

5.2 Elders shall serve:

  • On an open-ended basis.

5.3 Continuation in the office must be based on continued qualification and effectiveness.

ARTICLE 6: OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL

6.1 The Elders Council shall appoint from among its members:

  • A Chair (or Lead Elder or Pastor)

  • A Secretary

6.2 The Chair shall:

  • Convene and preside over meetings

  • Facilitate orderly discussion

  • Represent the Council where required

  • Serve as first among equals

6.3 The Secretary shall:

  • Record minutes

  • Maintain official Council records

  • Ensure secure custody of documents

Officers serve administrative roles only and do not possess superior authority.

ARTICLE 7: MEETINGS

7.1 Regular Meetings

  • The Elders Council shall meet monthly (PEM).

  • Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed.

7.2 Special Meetings

  • May be convened by the Chair or by request of at least two elders.

7.3 Quorum

  • A quorum shall consist of two-thirds (⅔) of serving elders.

7.4 Prayer

  • All meetings shall include prayer and reflection on Scripture.

“In the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14

ARTICLE 8: DECISION-MAKING

8.1 The preferred method of decision-making is prayerful consensus.

8.2 Where consensus cannot be reached:

  • Decisions may be made by a supermajority (⅔) vote.

8.3 Decisions shall reflect:

  • Fidelity to Scripture

  • Unity of the Spirit

  • The spiritual welfare of the church

“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…” — Acts 15:28

ARTICLE 9: POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Elders Council shall have responsibility for:

9.1 Spiritual Oversight

  • Shepherding the congregation

  • Teaching and guarding doctrine

  • Prayer and pastoral care

9.2 Governance

  • Setting spiritual and strategic direction

  • Approving policies and ministry plans

  • Overseeing finances and stewardship

  • Appointing and supervising deacons and ministry leaders

9.3 Discipline and Restoration

  • Exercising church discipline biblically

  • Seeking repentance, restoration, and reconciliation

Matthew 18:15–17; Hebrews 13:17

ARTICLE 10: RELATIONSHIP TO THE CONGREGATION

10.1 The Elders Council leads the church in partnership with the congregation, not in isolation.

10.2 The following matters require congregational affirmation:

  • Appointment or removal of elders

  • Major property or financial decisions

Acts 6:5; Acts 15:22

ARTICLE 11: CONDUCT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND DISCIPLINE

11.1 Elders shall conduct themselves in a manner worthy of their calling.

11.2 No accusation against an elder shall be considered except on the evidence of two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19).

11.3 Where an elder is found to be disqualified:

  • Biblical correction shall be applied

  • Suspension or removal may follow

  • Restoration shall be pursued where repentance is evident

ARTICLE 12: RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL

12.1 An elder may resign by written notice to the Council.

12.2 An elder may be removed by:

  • The Urgent Mission, and

  • Congregational confirmation, where required

12.3 Removal must be conducted with fairness, confidentiality, and pastoral care.

ARTICLE 13: CONFIDENTIALITY

13.1 Matters discussed in the Elders Council are confidential unless disclosure is authorised or required by Scripture or law.

13.2 Breach of confidentiality constitutes serious misconduct.

ARTICLE 14: AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

14.1 These Bylaws may be amended by:

  • A two-thirds (⅔) majority of the Urgent Mission Council

14.2 All amendments must remain consistent with Scripture.

ARTICLE 15: ADOPTION

These Elders Council Bylaws take effect immediately.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock… being examples to the flock.” — 1 Peter 5:2–3