Shepherds and Deacons
WHO MAKES UP THE SHEPHERDING TEAM?
The Shepherding Team is comprised of non-rotating members from our Pastoral Staff as well as rotating lay-leaders (3-year term) who currently serve as teachers and leaders at GLC. GLC Membership is required for this leadership role.
ROLE OF THE SHEPHERDING TEAM
The local church is governed by Christ (Matthew 16:18) through the Holy Scriptures. Under the authority of Jesus Christ, the purpose of the office of shepherd is to lovingly lead, nurture, and equip the entire membership to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12ff). The Shepherding Team of Gospel Life Church (both vocational and non-vocational) will oversee the overall direction and teaching of the church, since they are the ones who will one day answer for it (1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:7; 13:17; Acts 20:28). Though these men will shepherd in differing degrees (1 Timothy 5:17), they are all accountable to God for the care of His flock.
TASKS OF THE SHEPHERDING TEAM
Shepherds are…
GUIDES for our congregation—leading and overseeing God’s people, by example and word, giving direction and counsel to the church body.
TEACHERS in our congregation—nourishing God’s people by lovingly speaking the good news of Jesus Christ and the truths of God’s Word.
CAREGIVERS to our congregation—taking initiative to help God’s people grow and mature in their walk with God
PROTECTORS of our congregation—guarding God’s people against the destruction brought by false teaching and false teachers.
QUALIFICATION OF A SHEPHERDING TEAM MEMBER
The New Testament lays out the requirements necessary for any man who desires to do the work of a shepherd (1 Timothy 3:1-13 & Titus 1:5-9). In summary of the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, every shepherd must represent Christ and His gospel well in the following arenas:
His Relationship to the Public: above reproach, a good reputation with those outside the church
His Relationship to Self: temperate, self-controlled, prudent, sensible, respectable, loving what is good, not a new convert
His Relationship to Home: the husband of one wife, hospitable, manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity, having children who believe
His Relationship to Scripture: able to teach, holding fast the faithful word
His Relationship to Temptation: not addicted to wine, not arrogant, gentle, not self-willed, peaceable, not quick-tempered, free from the love of money
His Relationship to God: faithful, humble, growing
ROLE OF THE SHEPHERDING TEAM
Per the Gospel Life Church Constitution, the office of Deacon will serve the congregation and the Shepherds by modeling, managing, and mobilizing others to meet the often task-specific needs that exist in the church (including, but not limited to, trailer, setup and tear down, audio/visual, and volunteer recruiting). A deacon will serve for 3 years or until the role is phased out (as will be the case for Setup/Tear Down & Trailer roles once a permanent building is completed).
QUALIFICATION OF A DEACON TEAM MEMBER
A deacon must fit the qualifications laid out in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued,not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
Nominating Process:
Anyone can submit a nominee for the role of Deacon, however, the person being nominated must be a member of GLC. Nominations will then be given to the Shepherding Team for consideration. All approved nominees will be contacted to see if they accept the nomination and wish to meet with the Shepherds. From there, names will be presented to the church for prayerful consideration and discussion. A vote, by the members present at a called Members Meeting, will be held no sooner than 2 weeks after the nominees have been presented.