Elder Recommendations

Elder positions open by recommendation only

Please read below before downloading the Elder Recommendation Form. (320 K PDF)

Qualifications & Role of PRC Elders

While Scripture has much to say about the ministry functions of the New Testament Church (Worship, Instruction, Fellowship, and Evangelism) specific instructions about leadership structures and forms within the local church are not as clearly set forth. Perhaps it is for this reason that there is significant variance within church traditions about the form of church leadership. As a church committed to the Word of God, Pulpit Rock Church has made a serious effort to adopt leadership principles consistent with Biblical instructions. As a church committed to be above reproach before God and man, we have decided that where Scripture is vague or silent on specific matters of church leadership, we have prayerfully relied on other biblical principles, the counsel of experienced and godly believers in order to determine the form and function of leadership at PRC.

It seems clear from the New Testament that a group or team of godly elders led the early church:

“For this reason I left you in Crete that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you.” (Titus 1:5)

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock among whom the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28)

Often referred to as Elders, Overseers, or Shepherd/Pastors, this group of spiritually mature men shared the responsibility of leading the church. This leadership was expressed in a variety of ways. Certain key words from the New Testament reveal the scope of responsibility of elders in the local church. These include: shepherding (protecting the church from false doctrines or practices, caring for the needs of people), overseeing/governing (providing direction), instructing (teaching, admonishing & proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to the community of Believers) and prayer.

The New Testament is also clear that the Elders exercised the authority to delegate certain tasks to faithful servants (literally, deacons) in the pursuit of their governance duties. The perspective of Pulpit Rock Church’s Board of Governing Elders is that such a term describes more of a function than a specific formal office that the New Testaments requires.

By the grace of God, Elders are to protect and provide for the church’s spiritual health. In doing this the truth of Christ will remain credible to both the congregation and the community (Acts 20:28-31, Titus 1:9). In response to the biblical pattern of leadership, members of the body are to receive biblically sound teaching as well as to lovingly support their leaders, submitting joyfully to their leadership (Hebrews 13:17, I Thessalonians 5:12-13).

In appointing new elders the Board of Governing Elders of Pulpit Rock Church looks to men whose reputation is “above reproach” among fellow believers and who “have a good reputation” with those outside the church (I Timothy 3:1-7; see also: Titus 1:5-10). We also look for men who are already exercising their gifts in ministry leadership within the body of believers at PRC.

For a complete list of duties, contact us.