the tab elder board
Elder Board
The Tab Elders Board provides spiritual oversight, direction, and leadership for the church, entrusting the implementation of that direction to the ministry leaders and staff, under the leadership of the Lead Pastor. Senior staff leadership is held accountable for fulfilling the Elders Board’s direction. This system of organizational leadership, known as Policy Governance, allows the Elders to focus their gifts and time on their biblical mandate to lead and shepherd the church, while allowing ministry leaders (staff) the opportunity to maximize their gifts and talents as they lead their ministries and make practical decisions on how to implement and carry out the direction provided by the Elders. The Elders Board includes the Lead Pastor and the Secretary Treasurer (elected) as well as 3–5 additional elected Elders.
How are Elders selected?
Adherents of the church eligible for the Office of Elder are those who have been active for one year, are in good standing, and who meet scriptural qualifications for Elder (1 Tim 3:1-7). Elders are faithful to fulfill their own spiritual gifts in ministry, as witnessed by others in spiritual leadership.
The Elders, who serve as representatives of the church, are nominated by the current Elders and/or the congregation, and undergo a prayerful screening, interview, and approval process by the Elders board. Approved candidates are then presented to those who call The Tab their church home (Adherents), who have a 30-day opportunity to express any concerns. This can be done through a written submission to the current Elder board, outlining the adherent’s concern(s). The nominated Elder will be apprised of the concern, and the principles for conflict resolution that Jesus taught in Matthew 18 will be utilized. Once approved, Elders serve a three-year term, with the possibility of a one term extension. Having served two terms, an Elder must take one year off before being nominated again. Each member of the Elder Board has equal voice to the system of consensual agreement on the team.
What do the Elders do?
The Elders Board establishes the mission and vision of the church. The Board is part commissioner (sets rules), part umpire (enforces the rules), part scorekeeper (evaluates), and part cheerleader (supports). The Board is accountable to Christ and adherents of the church.
The tasks and responsibilities of the Elders vary greatly and require discernment as the Board strives to keep the church on its biblical course. The Elders Board tackles key issues facing the church. These include, but are not limited to:
The Tab Elders Board provides spiritual oversight, direction, and leadership for the church, entrusting the implementation of that direction to the ministry leaders and staff, under the leadership of the Lead Pastor. Senior staff leadership is held accountable for fulfilling the Elders Board’s direction. This system of organizational leadership, known as Policy Governance, allows the Elders to focus their gifts and time on their biblical mandate to lead and shepherd the church, while allowing ministry leaders (staff) the opportunity to maximize their gifts and talents as they lead their ministries and make practical decisions on how to implement and carry out the direction provided by the Elders. The Elders Board includes the Lead Pastor and the Secretary Treasurer (elected) as well as 3–5 additional elected Elders.
How are Elders selected?
Adherents of the church eligible for the Office of Elder are those who have been active for one year, are in good standing, and who meet scriptural qualifications for Elder (1 Tim 3:1-7). Elders are faithful to fulfill their own spiritual gifts in ministry, as witnessed by others in spiritual leadership.
The Elders, who serve as representatives of the church, are nominated by the current Elders and/or the congregation, and undergo a prayerful screening, interview, and approval process by the Elders board. Approved candidates are then presented to those who call The Tab their church home (Adherents), who have a 30-day opportunity to express any concerns. This can be done through a written submission to the current Elder board, outlining the adherent’s concern(s). The nominated Elder will be apprised of the concern, and the principles for conflict resolution that Jesus taught in Matthew 18 will be utilized. Once approved, Elders serve a three-year term, with the possibility of a one term extension. Having served two terms, an Elder must take one year off before being nominated again. Each member of the Elder Board has equal voice to the system of consensual agreement on the team.
What do the Elders do?
The Elders Board establishes the mission and vision of the church. The Board is part commissioner (sets rules), part umpire (enforces the rules), part scorekeeper (evaluates), and part cheerleader (supports). The Board is accountable to Christ and adherents of the church.
The tasks and responsibilities of the Elders vary greatly and require discernment as the Board strives to keep the church on its biblical course. The Elders Board tackles key issues facing the church. These include, but are not limited to:
- Determining the overall vision and future direction of the church.
- Creating clear policies to define church values and biblical operating procedures.
- Ensuring the church’s teachings and practices reflect accurate biblical theology.
- Providing avenues for pastoral care, conflict resolution, discipline, and restoration.
- Providing direction on financial or risk-management issues.
- Providing accountability to ensure the vision and values determined by the Elders are being carried out.