In recent weeks, VBC has been studying the offices of Elder and Deacon in 1 Timothy. Chapter 3 gives us a breakdown of the qualifications for those who are qualified to serve as elders and deacons. We have taken this opportunity to outline the New Testament teaching on eldership and how we operate as a church. We've also invited the congregation to ask questions and supply names of any men they think might be qualified to be an elder. Below are some of the questions that have been asked, along with the answers. Some of the questions we received are similar, so I've tried to cover all the questions asked.

First, these are our Elders:

• Gerry Caesar
• Ken Wendt
• Doug Snook
• Caleb Klontz
• Chris Martin
• Ben Orchard

Q. We are spending a lot of time on the qualifications, but it seems like we haven't covered the big why. Why does the church need elders?

We have seen the importance of elders in the New Testament as a group of men who shepherd God's flock. In his book Biblical Eldership, Alexander Strauch distinguishes between Board Elders and Shepherding Elders. Many churches have Board Elders, whose primary role is decision-making. In many churches, that is all elders do. Shepherding Elders, on the other hand, are men who are actively involved in leading the church and caring for the souls of those whom God has redeemed. Making decisions is essential. In fact, we often have momentous decisions to make. But how many men are needed to just make decisions? Honestly, it would be a lot easier if just two or three men made all the church decisions.

But the Scriptures tell us there is wisdom in many counselors. When we make important decisions, it is essential to pool together the experience and wisdom of godly men to seek God's direction for the church.

Second, the ministry is weighty. As a church grows, the combined weight of the ministry grows exponentially. It is hard to describe the spiritual weight accompanying the responsibility of leading a congregation. With a team of men, the burden is shared, and the risk of any man being overwhelmed by burnout is mitigated.

Third, 2 Timothy 2:2 is critical to understanding the importance of continually raising up new leaders, "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

In the Great Commission, Jesus told us to make disciples until the end of the age. We don't know when He will return, but we do know that in the meantime, our responsibility is to make more and more disciples. If we fail to raise up leaders in one generation, the next generation will be lost.

We must always be looking to the future. For the health and continued growth of Valley Bible Church, we must consider the next generation of leaders. If we do not, then we are not being faithful ourselves.

Q. Before suggesting someone, should we ask that person's permission?

I think it could be helpful, but it is not absolutely necessary. If you are uncomfortable submitting a name without permission, then by all means, ask that person first.

We have had a number of names submitted, and I assume some have been asked permission and others have not. We will contact each man whose name was submitted, and in due time, we will find out if they are interested in serving and whether or not they meet the qualifications.

Q. Could we have prospective elders give their testimony before the congregation?

We must provide a way for prospective elders to be known before the congregation. We will do everything we can to make them known to the congregation.

It will not be possible for everyone in the congregation to know each of these men well. But we want to ensure that we are doing due diligence in examining men.

The elders will examine any men and ask them to give their personal testimony as to how they came to Christ. We also ask about their current walk with the Lord and their strengths and weaknesses in each of the qualifications outlined in scripture. This will also involve an interview with their wives to ensure they are of one mind because we strongly believe in God's concept of one flesh in marriage.

Q: Could we have each elder do communion so we can know better who they are?

A: This is a good suggestion that we have already been implementing. Each elder has done communion, and you will see them again soon. This is just one way we can keep the elders visible before the congregation.

Q: How is it decided who is a paid employee and who is a volunteer or "servant?" Are worship service musicians and Sunday school teachers paid?

This is one of the challenges of any volunteer organization. Very few can get along with just volunteers. In general, when the oversight of a ministry grows to the point that it cannot be managed by volunteers, we consider making it a paid position. Whether full or part-time is taken on a case-by-case basis.

We recognize the great importance of our worship and children's volunteers. And because these are so important in the ministry of VBC, they are led by paid staff. The paid staff members recruit, train, schedule, and oversee the many volunteers under their purview.

It is a balance, to be sure. We are told that Pastors are given to the church “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). Christian culture has often made too much of the distinction between "clergy" and "laity." Those in ministry are often called “ministers.” The assumption by many is that the "ministers" do the ministry. That is not what the Bible teaches. We believe in “every member ministry” as taught in Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12.

Since VBC is an elder-led body, could we have periodic in-person updates on the elders' vision and how we are meeting the mission of VBC?

I like this idea. We will certainly look for ways to give more frequent and periodic updates from the elders.

Q. How can we learn more about the current elders and their backgrounds?

This question has been asked in various ways, which tells me we need to better communicate about our current elders. We will consider some of the suggestions submitted and find tangible ways to help people better know our elders.

In the meantime, here are some ways to learn more about our elders.

Our church website has our elders' names, photos, and brief biographies. They are periodically updated as needed.

The current elders gave their testimonies during Advent 2021. You can watch them here.

Each of our elders has several Life Groups for which they are responsible. Our goal is to attend these groups at least once a year for the very purpose of getting better acquainted with people in the congregation.

We will do what we can to make them more known, but why not take the first step in getting to know them better? You could invite them to lunch, dinner, or coffee, or invite them to your Life Group.