“CHURCH LEADERSHIP CONSIDERATIONS’

We the Elders and Pulpit Minister of the Church believe that God wants our church to grow. It is our belief that to accomplish growth we must have a strong and committed leadership team consisting of men who desire to serve the Lord as Elders, Deacons, and Trustees. But we are not willing to have Elders, Deacons, and Trustees who are not committed to the Lord just for the sake of having people fill these offices. So we have decided as the first step of this commitment to clearly explain what we expect of a church leader. We feel these expectations are a bare minimum and it is our hope that in your growth as a Christian and as a leader you would desire to be involved with at least one other ministry. Please read and sign the following list of expectations.

As a member of the Lord’s Church leadership team I understand that I am expected:

1. To support the Elders in their decisions on the direction of the church.

(Heb 13:17 NKJV) Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

(1 Th 5:12-13 NKJV) And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, {13} and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

2. That it will be my goal to have a daily quiet time consisting of prayer and meditation of God's word.

(2 Tim 2:15 KJV) Study [1] to show thyself approved [2] unto God, a workman [3] that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly [4] dividing the word of truth.

3. That it will be my goal to attend every assembly of the congregation when physically able and my work does not prohibit me from attending, thus, not willfully neglecting to attend by choice. Included in this are all assemblies the church has such as morning (this includes the Sunday School hour) and evening services, mid week services, revival services and special services for special occasions.

(Heb 10:23-25 NKJV) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. {24} And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, {25} not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

4. To attend the meetings of the Board and any special meeting called by the Board or the Elders.

(1 Thes 5:12 NKJV) Recognize those who labor among you, and are over you.

5. To carry out the work given to me by the Elders or Board in a way that will bring glory to God.

(1 Cor 10:31 NKJV) Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (Continued)

6. To abstain from sinful habits such as smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, chewing tobacco, and any other substances that may cause a brother to stumble or give reason for the lost to accuse the church of hypocrisy.

(1 Cor 3:16 NKJV) Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

(1 Cor 8:9 NKJV) But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.

(Eph 5:18 NKJV) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

(1 Th 5:22 NKJV) Abstain from every form of evil.

(1 Pet 1:13-16 NKJV) Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; {14} as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; {15} but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, {16} because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."

7. That it is essential that I tithe and give above my tithe in time, talents, and treasure.

(Mal 3:9-10 NKJV) You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. {10} Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.

(Heb 7:1-10 NKJV) For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, {2} to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated "king of righteousness," and then also king of Salem, meaning "king of peace," {3} without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. {4} Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. {5} And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; {6} but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. {7} Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. {8} Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. {9} Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, {10} for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.

As a leader or a prospective leader, I have read and understand the above expectations of a member of the leadership team of the Lord’s Church. I understand that this is not a test of fellowship but a standard for leadership. By my signature below, I indicate my willingness to comply with these requirements to the best of my ability.

Signature:__________________________________________ Date: ________________