Elder Process

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About Friends

Elders are nominated by the congregation and undergo a robust screening and interview process. Accepting the volunteer role of elder is not something to be taken lightly. Elders make extensive time commitments and take on deep spiritual responsibility in leading Friends Church, and we are grateful for their selfless service on our behalf.

At Friends Church, our elders carry the ultimate responsibility and authority to see that the church remains on a true biblical course; that its members are being appropriately shepherded, that the body is being fed through insightful and accurate biblical teaching, and that the life of the church is being well managed with the assistance of competent and godly leaders.

Please click a heading below to learn more about the time commitment, selection process, qualifications, and scriptural overview of the role of elders. To download all of the information below in a printer friendly format, click here.

Please contact Traci Tront with any questions or concerns at tracit@friendschurchyl.com.

Elder nomination for the next term has ended.

Scriptural Overview of the Role of Elder

General Overview
Scripture verses that address the role of an Elder: Titus 1:5, 9; I Peter 5:1–4; Acts 20:28–31; James 5:14

Specific Duties

Provide Spiritual Oversight

Confront false teaching and behavior contradictory to biblical truth and implement appropriate church discipline
Review and evaluate teaching and curricula for biblical accuracy and consistency (weekend services, classes/electives, group life)
Implement and monitor compliance with board policy
Mandate ministry to the poor and distressed

Shepherd the Flock

Participate (as needed) in the biblical process of conflict resolution outlined by Jesus in Matthew 18
Direct people into appropriate processes for guidance, assistance, and problem resolution
Respond to letters/phone calls from the church body, staff, or public

Manage the Church
We are an elder governed and staff led church. Elders govern the spiritual health of the church and staff lead the day to day operations of the church.

Affirm the overall vision and future direction of the church
Affirm the annual Friends Church budget
Provide accountability to the lead pastor
Encourage and provide counsel to the lead pastor and staff
Remove senior leaders who require dismissal for cause
Conduct annual review of the lead pastor

Pray for the Sick

Pray for the sick and distressed
In special circumstances, visit participating members who are sick (at home or in the hospital) for private counsel