Christian Church of San Rafael

Pastor-Elders’ Governance

Purpose of The Council of Elders

The purpose of the Council of Elders is the general pastoral oversight of the local
church, accountable only to our Senior Pastor, Jesus Christ. This oversight is
detailed below. (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1,2)

Role of a Pastor-Elder
a) Prayer (James 5)
i. Prayer for the sick (James 5)
ii. Prayer with each other (Acts 20)

b) Guarding the Church (Acts 20)

i. Guard themselves.
ii. Guard all the flock.

c) Caring for the needy & poor (Acts 11, Acts 20, Ephesians 4)
i. Receiving & distributing money
ii. Specifically for the poor

d) Solving doctrinal controversy (Acts 15,16)

e) Providing Guidance (Acts 21)

f) Dealing with sin and disciplining members (James 5)

The Pastor-Elders’ Attitudes

The Elder-Pastors will govern with attitudes consistent with the apostle Peter’s
directives: (1) “not under compulsion, but voluntarily”, (2) “not for sordid gain, but
with eagerness”, (3) “nor yet as lording it over...but proving to be examples”.

Attitude Details
1. “not under compulsion, but voluntarily” - According to scripture, a divine
compulsion for service is both necessary and good (1 Cor 9:16). However,
Peter uses “compulsion” in a negative sense, meaning without true God-given
desire. Peter knows the pastor-elder’s work will never be done properly by
someone who feels forced to serve. It is far too difficult a task, with too many
many problems, dangers and demands.

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2. “not for sordid gain, but with eagerness” - Peter warns the pastor-elders against
greed and using their positions for financial gain. Pastor-Elders are responsible
for administering (or the oversight there of) community funds, therefore the
temptation is present. A pastor-elder is to serve with eagerness, meaning readily
or with devoted zeal. Personal sacrifice or gain is of no concern to a pastor-
elder. They seek to give their best and go beyond minimal duty.
3. “nor yet as lording it over...but proving to be examples” - Pastor-elders should
lead, admonish, supervise, teach, and shepherd, all of which require leadership
and authority. Therefore, pastor-elders face the temptations to control and
dominate others. An “authoritarian-type” rule is the anti-thesis to the Christian
way to guide the Lord’s flock. In contrast, pastor-elders are to oversee the
church by being “examples to the flock”. They lead by their example of
Christian living; by their spiritual, moral and godly character; by their sacrificial
service to the church.

Organizational Governance
The Council of Elders primary role is not organizational governance, but rather the
spiritual well-being of the church. However, it is recognized that the vehicle for
this may be to develop and approve programs, administer and approve budgets or
other general “policy making” and “administrative” functions. Therefore, the
Council of Elders will have oversight of the organizational governance of the
church. Such governance includes:

1. The Council of Elders will produce written governing policies that, at the
broadest levels, address each category of organizational decisions.

2. The Council of Elders will decide staff salaries and the timing of raises.

3. The Council of Elders will approve the annual budget.

4. The Council of Elders will approve non-budget expenditures over $1,000.

5. The Council of Elders will approve staff salaries and the timing of raises.

6. The Council of Elders will approve non-clerical/administrative staff hirings and

approve all (clerical or otherwise) staff terminations.

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First Among Equals (1 Timothy 5:17, 18)
Lead Pastor-Elder
Scripture gives solid testimony concerning shared pastoral leadership and its
obvious lack of support for the one-man pastor system. However, some pastor-
elders (moved by the spirit) give themselves to the church in a fuller, more
sacrificial way, despite the plurality of leadership. Particularly, in the area of
preaching, teaching, vision and leadership. The scriptures give an imperative for
financial provision, consistent with 1 Timothy 5, for these pastor-elders. This role
will be referred to herein as “Lead Pastor”. As a result, this “first among equals” on
the Council of Elders needs some clarification:
1. The Lead Pastor does not hold an office exalted over The Council of Elders, thus
has no greater authority.
2. Not all pastor-elders are entitled to financial provision. Although, others can be
as mandated by 1 Timothy 5.
3. The Council of Elders shall not relinquish their biblical responsibilities, authority
or obligations to the Lead Pastor.
4. Decisions are made in consensus and mutual dependance upon one another.
5. As a matter of stewardship, the Lead Pastor shall have his performance
evaluated by the Elder Council periodically. As should all Elders, paid or
otherwise.

Lead Pastor-Elder’s Role

Consistent with 1 Timothy 5, the Lead Pastor is a member of the Elder Council who
gives himself full-time to the ministry of the church. He is the delegated member of
the Elder Council to perform the following:
1. Sets the pace relative to vision and mission, as agreed by the entire Elder
Council.
2. The primary preaching and teaching responsibilities in the church (though
should not be the only).
3. Provide oversight and direction (or designate oversight and direction) to all
paid/volunteer staff.
4. Liaison between the Elder Council and the day-to-day operations of the church.
5. Recommend and facilitate (or his designation) the church’s general budget.

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Unity of Control
Only decisions of the Elder Council acting as a body shall be binding on the Lead
Pastor-Elder. In the case of Elders or committees requesting information or
assistance without Elder Council authorization, the Lead Pastor-Elder can refuse
such requests that require, in the Lead Pastor-Elder’s opinion, a material amount of
staff time or funds, or are disruptive. The Elder Council’s sole official connection to
the paid or volunteer staff, its achievement, and conduct shall be through the Lead
Pastor-Elder (as this is his delegation).

Lead Pastor-Elder Limitations

The Lead Pastor-Elder shall not:

1. Operate without written personnel policies.

2. Discriminate against any staff member for expressing an ethical dissent.

3. Prevent staff from grieving to the Council when (1) internal grievance
procedures have been exhausted and (2) the employee alleges either that (a)
Council policy has been violated to his or her detriment or (b) Council policy
does not adequately protect his or her human rights.

4. Fail to acquaint staff with their rights under this policy.

5. Expend more funds than are available in the fiscal year to date.

6. Conduct inter-fund shifting which materially degrades Elder Council objectives.

7. Without Elder Council approval, make a single purchase or commitment that is

not line-item budgeted of greater than $1000.

8. Purchase, encumber, or dispose of real property.

9. Neglect to submit monitoring data required by the Council in a timely, accurate,

and understandable fashion (as this is his delegation).

10. Let the Council be unaware of events which may have a significant and adverse
impact upon the church.

11. Fail to provide the Elder Council as many staff and external perspectives needed
regarding issues being considered by the Elder Council.

Council Chairman

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Some Pastor-Elders are gifted with a greater capacity for the administration of the
Council of Elders. This role will be referred to herein as “Chairman”. As a result,
this “first among equals” on the Council of Elders shall be clarified as follows:
1. The Chairman does not hold an office exalted over the Council of Elders, thus
has no greater authority.
2. This role may or may not be entitled to financial provision depending on the
needs of the church. Such provision will be weighed by the Council of Elders
against 1 Timothy 5 and decided accordingly.
3. The Council of Elders shall not relinquish their biblical responsibilities, authority
or obligations to the Chairman.
4. Decisions are made in consensus and mutual dependance upon one another.

Chairman’s Role
The Chairman serves by assuring the integrity and fulfillment of the Council of
Elder’s process, and secondarily, occasionally represents the Council of Elder’s to
outside parties. The Chairman further serves by helping to ensure that the Council
guides consistently with its own governance and by-laws. In doing so, the
Chairman is responsible for coordination, content and overall direction of any
meetings of the Council of Elders.
Accordingly:
1. Meeting discussion content will be only those issues that, according to Elder
Council policy, clearly belong to the Elder Council (as a whole) to decide, rather
than those delegated to the Lead Pastor.

2. Deliberation will be fair, open, and thorough but also timely, orderly, and to the
point.
3. The Chairman accepts the delegated responsibilities to chair the Elder Council
meetings with all the commonly accepted responsibilities of that position (for
example, ruling, recognizing).
4. The Chairman has no authority to supervise or direct other members of the Elder
Council.
5. The Chairman may represent the Elder Council to outside parties in announcing
Elder Council stated positions. The Chairman may delegate this responsibility to
another member of the Elder Council, but remains accountable for its use.

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Appointing Elders
The procedure for selecting Elders is not an election. The procedure is a process of
selection under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The role of the Elder Council is to
prayerfully investigate, qualify and select candidates to become new Elders.

Selection Process for New Elders

1. Personal Desire - A Spirit-given burden for oversight demonstrates itself in action

and deed. We should thank God for men who desire this honorable task. The
reason for this is that eldership is a strenuous, shepherding task--not just another
positions on a decision-making board. (1 Timothy 3:1)

2. Qualifications - The New Testament is emphatic that only scripturally qualified

men can be appointed as elders. In addition to a subjective desire for eldership,
Scripture demands that a candidate for eldership meet certain objective
qualifications. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)

3. Examination - A person being considered for eldership must agree to having all
areas of his life examined. This includes, but is not limited to, finances, giving,
service, family, leadership and temperament. God fully expects His people to
take the requirements for elders seriously, so it follows that some sort of human
examination and consultation about the proposed elder is necessary.
(1 Timothy 3:10; 1 Timothy 5:22-25)
4. Congregational Recognition - When elders consider a candidate for eldership,
the congregation’s recognition and counsel regarding the candidate’s labor and
character is essential. Opportunity must be freely provided for all members of
the congregation to express their questions, doubts, or approval. The
congregation will be made aware of all those who are being examined for
eldership. Recognition by the congregation is not indicative of a formal
nomination by the congregation. (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13)

5. Existing Elders - After prayer, fasting and consensus of the existing Elder council
(as directed by the Spirit), an elder is appointed. The existing elders are
responsible to officially select and appoint elders who they and the
congregation recognize for their labor, desire, and qualification for the position.
(Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5)

Terms of Service

The scriptures give no precedence for elder terms. Therefore, an appointment to

eldership is lifetime unless the Spirit leads the individual differently, is no longer
able or willing to fulfill the terms of this governance, or is no longer above
reproach. Seasons of Sabbath from service on the Council of Elders are recognized.

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Qualifications (Titus 1:6-9; 1 Timothy 3:2-7)
On the matter of qualification, the New Testament is emphatic. There is no debate,
on this point. Only those who meet God’s qualifications can become part of the
pastoral leadership of the congregation:

1. Above reproach - this term means unaccused. It indicates one whose character
and conduct has not been called into question, or one who is free from
accusation.

2. The husband of one wife - literally translated “a one woman man”. This is not
referring to a marital status of a prospective elder, but to a character trait. It
implies loyalty and faithfulness and an exclusive relationship with one woman.

3. Having children who believe - the translation is “having children not accused of
dissipation or rebellion.” This is not a statement of salvation upon the
candidate's children. It implies they must be responsible and faithful family
members.

4. God’s steward - A steward acts on behalf of another’s interests. He is

accountable and responsible to another for what has been entrusted to his care.

5. Not self-willed - literally “self-pleasing”. A self-willed man wants his way

regardless of others. He is stubborn, arrogant and inconsiderate of other’s
opinions, feelings and desires. Not a team player.

6. Not quick tempered - one of God’s greatest traits is that He is slow to anger.
Therefore, God’s stewards must also be. Everyone experiences anger, but is it
properly controlled and channeled. The issue here is the individual aspiring to
be an elder controlled in his expression of anger.

7. Not addicted to wine - literally “not beside wine” or not addicted, preoccupied,
or overindulgent with wine. The term also has a secondary meaning, that of
being violent or a brawler because of wine.

8. Not pugnacious - the Greek word is derived from the verb, “to strike”.
Therefore, this can be understood as a violent person. Wives and children
especially feel the blows of a pugnacious man, anyone who seriously frustrates
a pugnacious man is a potential target for physical abuse.

9. Not fond of sordid gain - the chief religious leaders of Jesus’ day provide the
perfect example of those who are “fond of sordid gain”. They turned God’s
house into a merchandise mart for their own profit (Mark 11:15-17). This
enraged Jesus. The scriptures are condemning a base, avaricious motive that
desires what rightfully belongs to someone else.

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10. But hospitable - literally “a lover of strangers”. Hospitality practically displays
the Christian family’s generosity, closeness and love. Therefore, requires elders
as examples practice hospitality. A man who closes his door to God’s family
cannot be an elder.

11. Loving what is good - “one who willingly and with self-denial does good, or is
kind.” An elder who loves goodness will always seek to do helpful things for all
people. He will be loving, generous, and kind towards all and will never sink
to evil, retaliatory behavior.

12. Sensible/Prudent - literally “soundness of mind” or sober-minded. It means to

be balanced, discreet and controlled because of sound judgment, sensible
thinking, and reasonableness.

13. Just - that is, upright, righteous man who conducts himself in accordance with
the principles of divine truth. Such a man can be counted on to make wise, fair,
and righteous judgments for the community (Proverbs 29:7).

14. Devout - a devout man lives the life God requires and is an example of godly
character and conduct. He is pious, loyal, and holy. He is a man with a firm
disposition who is committed to faithfully observing his religious obligations
and practices.

15. Self-controlled - particularly over physical desires. An man who is not self-
controlled has little resistance to sexual lust, provocation, anger. slothfulness, a
critical spirit, or other desires that seek to control him. He is easy prey for the
devil.

16. Holding fast the faithful Word - an elder must be solidly committed to the truth
of God’s Word. In other words, an elder must cling firmly to, be devoted to,
and adhere wholeheartedly to God’s Word.

17. Can exhort sound doctrine - exhortation is closely associated with teaching (1
Timothy 4:13), but while teaching primarily relates to the understanding,
exhortation (based on teaching) chiefly influences the conscience, heart, will,
and action of men. An elder, then, must be able to motivate men and women
through sound doctrine.

18. Can refute opponents - not only must overseers be able to exhort the saints,
they must also be able “to refute those who contradict” wholesome doctrine.
Elders must know and believe their Bibles. They must be strong and skilled in
the use of the sword of the Word against all opponents of truth. The church can
grow and be protected from corruption only by the Word.

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19. Temperate - this is literally translated “wineless”, or sobriety in the use of wine.
However, this is not to be taken in the literal sense. The word seems to be used
metaphorically, referring to mental, behavioral, and spiritual sobriety. Therefore,
this is referring to a “spiritually stable man”.

20. Respectable - in the original language this is the word “orderly”. Here it is
referring to orderliness in the whole person and life style. This does not mean
things don’t go wrong and circumstance doesn’t envelop us. But on the whole,
has this person demonstrated an orderly life. An orderly life is most important
for a manger of God’s flock.

21. Able to teach - all elders must be able “to teach”, which entails three basic
elements: a knowledge of Scripture, the readiness to teach, and the capability to
communicate. This requirement has nothing to do with the “gift” of teaching,
nor does it have anything to do with preaching. Simply, can he instruct people
in the principles of God’s word.

22. Gentle - a gentle man exhibits a willingness to yield and patiently makes
allowances for the weakness and ignorance of the fallen human condition. He
is gracious, reasonable, forbearing, considerate, and conciliatory. One who is
gentle refuses to retaliate in kind for wrong done by others. It is a characteristic
of God (2 Corinthians 10:1). It is one of the most important and attractive
qualities of an elder. This is especially true as so many wrongs, disagreements,
faults, hurts, and injustices exist in this sinful world.

23. Uncontentious - “a peaceable” man. There are occasions when the elders must
confront false teachers and sinful behavior. Indeed, at times it seems like a
leader does nothing but confront others. But even these struggles must be dealt
with in a Christian manner. Scripture condemns a sinful disposition that is
inclined towards fighting, contention, or quarrelsomeness (Proverbs 20:3).

24. Free from the love of money - because the elders handle money (Acts 11:30),
and some receive wages (1 Timothy 5:17, 18), those who love money can easily
be tempted to lust after it. Money-loving, materialistic elders set the wrong
example and will inevitably fall into unethical financial dealing that disgrace
the Lord’s name as the Pharisees did (Luke 16:14; Mark 12:40).

25. A man who manages his household well - caring for a local church is more like
managing a family than managing a business or state. Therefore, God makes it
very clear that a man’s ability to manage Gods church is directly related to his
ability to manage his own household. An elder’s relationship with his children
will manifest itself in his relationship with the congregation. A biblical elder
must have obedient and submissive children, but not be a spirit-crushing tyrant
who gains submission by harsh punishment or unjust oppression (Ephesians
6:4; Colossians 3:21).

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26. Not a new convert - there is nothing wrong with a “new convert”. An elder,
however, must be mature and know his own heart. A new Christian does not
know his own heart or the craftiness of the enemy, so he is vulnerable to pride--
the most subtle of all temptations and most destructive of all sins.

27. A good reputation with those outside the church - all Christ followers are to
bear a good testimony before the world (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). God hates
hypocrisy. A man’s image before his Christian brethren must not be different
than his image at work, in the family, or in the neighborhood. People judge the
community by its leaders.

Protecting and Disciplining an Elder (1 Timothy 5:19-25)

1. The Council of Elders shall not entertain an accusation except on the basis of
two or more witnesses.

2. In the event an accusation with biblical basis is made, an investigation is to

follow.

3. If an accusation is found to be true, the sin will be dealt with according the
scriptures, as applied to elders only. It will be brought before the congregation
publicly.

4. The terms of disciplinary action will handled privately at the discretion of the
Elder Council.

5. Should the result be disqualifying the individual from eldership, this too will be
made public before the congregation.

Relationship with Congregation (1 Thessalonians 5:13b)

First and foremost, elders are to be humble, loving, servant leaders. The Christian
leaders’ greatest power to lead God’s church is his godly example of service and
love for God and His Word. Elders must not be authoritarian rulers. Instead, they
are to be humble, servant leaders among their brethren. Accordingly:

1. Involvement - elders must always guard against creating a repressive

atmosphere within the church. In a repressive environment people cannot
mature or develop their gifts and abilities (Ephesians 4).

2. Personal affairs - Elders must be cautious of extending their leadership authority

into areas in which believers have the right to disagree and be different. The
elders are responsible for the spiritual welfare of the church, but have no
business dictating -- either subtly or openly -- the personal affairs of the saints.

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 The elders may have some sound advice in many areas which the saints should
take into consideration. But it is only advice, not a mandatory direction, unless
there is an imperative from scripture.

3. Oneness - elders are often caught in the midst of contention. Passivity is an

enemy. Elders must work hard to protect the church from internal fighting.
They must warn and rebuke malicious behavior. They must provide counsel for
contending parties. They must actively guide the church by laboring together in
prayer, searching the Word, patiently teaching, providing open and free
discussion (Acts 15:5-9), and lovingly admonishing (and even rebuking)
stubborn members.

4. Clergy vs Laity - the eldership must always seek counsel and mind of those they
lead. No clergy-laity division exists between elders and congregation. All are
equal brethren. In the local church, there are no rulers who sit above or
subjects who sit below. Rather, their exists an intimate horizontal relationship
with the rest of the congregation.

Law of the Land (Romans 13:1-7; Acts 5:27-29)

The Council of Elders shall ensure the church and its governance act in accordance
with the local, state and federal laws. However, the elders first authority is our
Senior Pastor, Jesus Christ. Should the “law of the land” be contrary to scripture,
the Council will obey God and not man.

Financial Integrity (Matthew 25:21-22)

Asset Protection
The Council of Elders shall not allow the assets of the church to be unprotected,
inadequately maintained, or unnecessarily risked.
The Elder Council shall not:

1. Fail to insure against theft and casualty losses to at least 80 percent of

replacement value and against liability losses to Elders, staff, and the church.

2. Subject building, fixture and equipment to improper wear and tear or

insufficient maintenance.

3. Make any expenditure wherein reasonably prudent protection has not been
given against conflict of interest.

4. Make any expenditure without a stringent method of assuring the balance of

long-term quality and cost.

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5. Fail to appropriately protect intellectual property, information, and files
(physical/electronic) from loss or significant damage.

Financial Planning and Budgeting

Financial planning for any fiscal year or the remaining part of any fiscal year shall
not deviate materially from the Council’s Objectives or risk fiscal jeopardy:
The Elder Council shall not allow budgeting that:

1. Contains too little information to enable credible projection of revenues and

expenses, separation of capital and operational items, cash flow, and disclosure
of planning assumptions.

2. The general/annual budget should contain, at a minimum, a forecast of

congregational giving (based on previous fiscal periods).

3. Plans the expenditure in any fiscal year of more funds than are projected in faith
to be received in that period.

4. Reduces the current non-restricted assets at any time to less than the amount
which may be established by the Council from time to time.

Financial Conditions and Activities

With respect to the actual, ongoing financial conditions and activities, the Elder
Council shall not cause or allow deviation from good bookkeeping practices, or the
development of fiscal jeopardy or a material or substantial deviation of actual
expenditures from Council established objectives.

Compensation and Benefits

With respect to employment, compensation, and benefits to employees,
consultants, contract workers, and volunteers, the Elder Council shall not cause or
allow jeopardy to fiscal integrity or public image.
The Lead Pastor shall not:

1. Change his own compensation and benefits.

2. Promise or imply permanent employment.
3. Establish staff salaries or benefits without the approval the Elder Council.
4. Create compensation obligations which exceed budgeted amounts.

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Commissioning
There is no biblical precedence for ordination, thus the Elder Council is not an
ordaining body. However, as an act of ceremony only, the commissioning of
Pastor-Elders into ministry shall be a regular practice. This will be done for all those
who meet the qualities set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. The Elder Council will
also ensure that any Pastor-Elder meets the requirements of the law of the land in
order to perform their pastoral duties.

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