1. PURPOSE OF THE ELDERS COUNCIL

The Elders Council is established to provide spiritual oversight, doctrinal guardianship, pastoral leadership, and strategic direction for each local Evangelical Faith Church, in obedience to biblical instruction and under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God.”
— Acts 20:28

2. BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL BASIS

The New Testament consistently affirms plural eldership as God’s design for local church governance.

Key principles include:

  • Shared spiritual oversight (Acts 14:23)

  • Collective discernment and accountability (Acts 15:1–29)

  • Shepherding leadership rather than domination (1 Peter 5:1–3)

  • Doctrinal faithfulness and moral integrity (Titus 1:5–9)

“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching.”
— 1 Timothy 5:17

3. DEFINITION

Elders Council

The Elders Council is a plural body of spiritually qualified men appointed to shepherd, teach, govern, and protect the local church in accordance with Scripture, the church’s confession of faith, and its mission.

(Note: The term “elder” is used interchangeably in Scripture with “overseer” and “pastor” – Acts 20:17, 28.)

4. COMPOSITION OF THE ELDERS COUNCIL

4.1 Number of Elders

  • Each local church shall have not fewer than three (3) elders, where feasible.

  • The number may increase based on congregation size, ministry scope, and maturity.

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

4.2 Categories of Elders

The Elders Council may include:

  • Teaching Elders – primarily responsible for preaching and teaching

  • Ruling Elders – primarily responsible for governance, oversight, and pastoral care

All elders share equal authority and responsibility, though functions may differ.

5. QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP

All elders must meet the biblical qualifications outlined in:

  • 1 Timothy 3:1–7

  • Titus 1:5–9

In summary, an elder must:

  • Be above reproach

  • Be spiritually mature and sound in doctrine

  • Demonstrate godly character in family and community life

  • Be able to teach and defend the faith

  • Not be a recent convert

  • Have a good reputation inside and outside the church

“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach.”
— Titus 1:7

6. AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ELDERS COUNCIL

6.1 Spiritual Oversight

The Elders Council shall:

  • Shepherd the congregation through prayer, teaching, and pastoral care

  • Guard sound doctrine and refute false teaching

  • Provide spiritual direction and discernment

1 Peter 5:2; Titus 1:9

6.2 Governance and Leadership

The Council shall:

  • Set spiritual and strategic direction for the local church

  • Approve policies, ministry plans, and budgets

  • Appoint and supervise deacons, ministry leaders, and staff

  • Ensure faithful stewardship of church resources

Hebrews 13:17

6.3 Pastoral Care and Discipline

The Council shall:

  • Care for members through counsel, prayer, and visitation

  • Oversee biblical church discipline with humility and restoration as the goal

Matthew 18:15–17; Galatians 6:1

7. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CHURCH BODIES

7.1 Relationship to Deacons

  • Deacons serve under the spiritual oversight of the Elders Council

  • Elders focus on prayer and the Word; deacons focus on practical service

Acts 6:1–4

7.2 Relationship to the Congregation

  • The Elders Council leads the church but does not replace congregational participation

  • Major decisions (e.g. appointment of elders, doctrinal statements, property matters) require congregational affirmation

Acts 6:5; Acts 15:22

8. APPOINTMENT AND TENURE

8.1 Appointment

  • Elders are identified through prayer, discernment, and proven service

  • Candidates undergo training, assessment, and congregational affirmation

  • Appointment is confirmed through prayer and laying on of hands

1 Timothy 4:14; Acts 13:3

8.2 Tenure

  • Elders serve indefinite terms

  • Regular evaluation of fitness and effectiveness is required

9. MEETINGS AND DECISION-MAKING

9.1 Meetings

  • The Elders Council shall meet regularly (Pastors and Elders Meeting)

  • Emergency meetings may be convened when necessary

9.2 Decision-Making

  • Decisions should be made through prayerful consensus

  • Where consensus is not possible, a supermajority vote may be used

  • All decisions must reflect Scripture, unity, and the good of the church

James 1:5; Acts 15:28

10. ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONDUCT

10.1 Mutual Accountability

  • Elders are accountable to one another

  • No elder operates independently or without oversight

Proverbs 11:14

10.2 Ethical Conduct

  • Elders must adhere to the church’s Code of Conduct

  • Accusations against elders must follow biblical due process

1 Timothy 5:19–20

11. REMOVAL OR DISCIPLINE OF AN ELDER

An elder may be removed if:

  • Disqualified by conduct or doctrine

  • Persistently neglectful of duties

  • Unrepentant in sin

Removal must follow:

  1. Biblical correction (Matthew 18)

  2. Council review

  3. Congregational notification where appropriate

Restoration is always the preferred goal where repentance is evident.

12. AMENDMENT OF THIS POLICY

This policy may be amended by:

  • The Urgent Mission Council, with

  • Elders Council and Congregational approval, and

  • Consistency with Scripture and the Church Policies

13. CONCLUSION

The Elders Council exists to serve Christ, shepherd God’s people, and advance the Gospel through faithful, humble, and Spirit-led leadership.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
— 1 Peter 5:2–3