A Word About Our Process...
The process of identifying, training, electing, ordaining and installing elders and deacons will have deep and long lasting impact on Redeemer. Here is an overview of the process.
1. Nomination Period
A nomination period is an open time frame in which members of Redeemer can make nominations for elders and deacons. The open period for nominations will be four weeks, May 18 to June 15, 2014. First gain the permission of the nominee and please use the provided nomination form. Before actually nominating someone, make sure to:
- Carefully consider the person in light of the biblical teaching on elders and deacons
- Spend time praying about your nomination
- Ask the person for his willingness to be nominated
- Complete a nomination form (only members can nominate)
- Return the form to David Juelfs (or any of the elders) or mail it to: P.O. Box 9708, Newport Beach CA 92658
2. Candidates
The elders will collect the nominations, carefully evaluate them, inform the qualified nominees of their nomination and to which office, and will interview those interested in pursuing the process regarding issues of life and call. Nominees who proceed beyond this step become candidates.
3. Training and Mentoring
The candidates will be trained and mentored by the elders in preparation for their examinations (listed below).
4. Examination
The Session interviews Candidates again to discern any change in sense of calling or core theological convictions, and each nominee will be examined in:
- His Christian experience, especially his personal character and family management (based on the qualifications set out in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9)
- His knowledge of Bible content
- His knowledge of the system of doctrine, government, and discipline contained in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America
- The duties of the office to which he has been nominated
- His willingness to give assent to the questions required for ordination (BCO 24-6)
5. Election, Ordination and Installation
The Session will make public the recommended list of candidates and an election will be held to vote on the recommended candidates. A simple majority of the members in attendance is needed to elect new elders and deacons. Following election, Candidates will be ordained and installed in a worship service.
If you have any questions about this process, feel free to talk to any of the elders. Please be in prayer for our church and this entire process. Ask the Lord to help us recognize those whom the Lord has brought to us to serve and lead our church.
What is an Elder?
(Acts 20:17-38; Eph. 4:11-22; 1Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9; 1Peter 5:1-4)
“It belongs to the office of elder, both severally and jointly, to watch diligently over the flock committed to his charge, that no corruption of doctrine or of morals enter therein. They must exercise government and discipline, and take oversight not only of the spiritual interests of the particular church, but also the Church generally when called thereunto. They should visit people at their homes, especially the sick. They should instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourner, nourish and guard the children of the Church. They should set a worthy example to the flock entrusted to their care by their zeal to evangelize the unconverted and make disciples. All those duties which private Christians are bound to discharge by the law of love are especially incumbent upon them by divine vocation, and are to be discharged as official duties. They should pray with and for the people, being careful and diligent in seeking the fruit of the preached Word among the flock.”
(Book of Church Order 8-3)
What is a Deacon?
(Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13)
“The office [of deacon] is one of sympathy and service, after the example of the Lord Jesus; it expresses also the communion of the saints, especially in their helping one another in time of need… It is the duty of the deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. It is their duty also to develop the grace of liberality in the members of the church, to devise effective methods of collecting the gifts of the people, and to distribute these gifts among the objects to which they are contributed. They shall have the care of the property of the congregation, both real and personal, and shall keep in proper repair the church edifice and other buildings belonging to the congregation… In the discharge of their duties the deacons are under the supervision and authority of the Session… The deacons of a particular church shall be organized as a Board, of which the pastor shall be an advisory member. The Board shall elect a chairman and a secretary from their number and a treasurer to whom shall be entrusted the funds for the current expenses of the church.”
(Book of Church Order 9-1; 9-2; 9-4)
What vows will our elders and deacons take?
(Book of Church Order 24-6)
- Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as originally given, to be the inerrant Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice?
- Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith and the Catechisms of this Church, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures; and do you further promise that if at any time you find yourself out of accord with any of the fundamentals of this system of doctrine, you will, on your own initiative, make known to your Session the change which has taken place in your views since the assumption of this ordination vow?
- Do you approve of the form of government and discipline of the Presbyterian Church in America, in conformity with the general principles of Biblical polity?
- Do you accept the office of Ruling Elder (or Deacon, as the case may be) in this church, and promise faithfully to perform all the duties thereof, and to endeavor by the grace of God to adorn the profession of the Gospel in your life, and to set a worthy example before the church of which God has made you an officer?
- Do you promise subjection to your brothers and sisters in the Lord?
- Do you promise to strive for the purity, peace, unity and edification of the Church?