Baptist Union of Victoria

CHURCH LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

The Baptist Union of Victoria has put together this document outlining the way a number of our Churches structure their Church Leadership.

Several of our Baptist Churches were approached at random and asked to provide details of their Church Leadership policies, and as a result, we have compiled this 'sample' document outlining the different types of policies from six of our Churches.

All Churches that have participated have been kept confidential and there is no obligation for any Church to adopt policies as outlined in this document, it is provided purely for your reference.

SAMPLE 1.

AUTHORITY

The ultimate authority of the church is found in the meeting of its members. All aspects of the church must be subject to the 'gathered believers finding the mind of Christ'. The members however recognize and set aside leaders to help the church fulfill its purpose. The Senior Pastor, associates Pastors, Elders and Ministry Area Co-coordinators shall be entrusted with the leadership and oversight of the Church. All leaders are accountable to the collective members.

PASTORS

The church shall call and set apart pastors to a special ministry of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care within the fellowship of the church and the community in which it is set. They are people whom the church believes to have called and gifted by the Lord of the Church to fulfill the ministry of leadership and who shall be chosen and called into office in accordance with the procedure set out in appendix 3 of this constitution.

A Pastor accepts his or her office from the Lord of the church, and while he or she is a 'servant of the church' the church is not his or her master. A Pastor is the spiritual leader in the life and ministry of the church.

There shall be a Senior Pastor, Pastoral care pastor, Youth pastor and any others as deemed necessary. A pastor may ex officio preside at any organization of the church. The church may also appoint support staff, as it seems fit.

ELDERS

The elders, in conjunction with the Pastoral team, are to be responsible for the spiritual oversight of the congregation, which includes governing, pastoral caring, discipling, praying, equipping and teaching.

The eldership shall comprise of as many as are necessary dependent upon the size of the congregation and shall be appointed for a period of two (2)

years, and be eligible for re-election thereafter.

MINISTRY AREA COORDINATORS

Ministry area Coordinators are the Church Secretary, Treasurer and servant leaders of the church who are gifted and called leadership in the area of the ministry nominated (for example: Worship Ministry Area Co-Coordinator). Although individually responsible for co-coordinating a particular ministry (refer to Appendix 4) they shall meet together regularly to decide issues relating to the ministries and administration of the church.

They shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years and shall be eligible for re-nomination thereafter.

For the purposes of schedule B of the Baptist Union Incorporation act 1930, Ministry Area Co-coordinators shall be deemed to be 'deacons'.

LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS

Elders and Ministry area Coordinators may be appointed by the church from among its members on the recommendation of the church leadership.

Nominations are to be in writing, signed by two (2) members and carrying the written Consent of the nominee. After receiving the nomination, the Church Secretary shall forward it to the Senior Pastor and Elders for their endorsement at least three (3) weeks before the meeting. Nominations shall be announced to the church on two (2) Sundays preceding the business meeting.

At the church meeting it shall be necessary for each nominee to receive the endorsement of at least two-thirds of the membership present and voting.

Where the number of nominations exceeds the number of vacancies to be filled a further ballot may be held to determine the successful candidate/s.

Where possible the two year term of office of Elder and MAC shall be staggered so that one-half of each team is retiring each year.

MEMBERS

Whereas the church recognizes and sets aside leaders, it is the whole church fellowship that has received from the Lord of the Church a commission to exercise the ministry of Word, Gospel, Sacrament and Pastoral Care. All members are called upon to fulfill this ministry by exercising the gifts, which the Holy Spirit has bestowed to them. In this ministry, all accept the responsibility to encourage and edify the church fellowship, and at the same time receive from the fellowship that nurture and discipline essential to their own growth in grace.

LEADERSHIP DELEGATION

The church may appoint from time to time or on an annual basis a variety of committees, task forces, ministries individuals and groups to better enable the church to fulfill its ministry and mission.

The chairperson shall be a church member appointed by the church on the recommendation of the church leadership who shall have authority to terminate such appointment if thought necessary for the good of the total work.

The elders shall endorse other leaders of a group and each group is to report the church as requested.

AFFLIATED ORGANISATIONS

Any organization that has affiliation with the church is to recommend its leaders or officer-bearers for endorsement by the Ministry area Coordinators.

Progammes, rules and each syllabus of any society, club or organization connected with the church shall be subject to approval by the Ministry area Coordinators before being published, circulated or performed.

No organization shall use the name of the church without the consent of the Ministry area Coordinators.

APPENDIX 3

THE CALLING OF A PASTOR

When the church is seeking to call a senior pastor, the following procedures shall generally be observed:

1.. The Church secretary, or in her/his absence, an authorized Ministry Area Coordinator or Elder, shall notify the General Superintendent of The Baptist Union of Victoria that the pastorate is vacant, or is about to become vacant, and request the General Superintendent to recommend a person to the church for appointment as Moderator. The Moderator, who shall be appointed by resolution of a church meeting, may chair any meeting of the church, the Ministry Area Coordinator, pastoral committee when matters related to the pastor are under consideration. 2.. The Moderator shall advise he church concerning the procedures required by either the Advisory Board of the Baptist Union of Victoria, or the office or the General Superintendent, and shall assist the church to fulfill these requirements. 3.. A church meeting convened for the purpose of considering the filling of the pastoral vacancy shall settle the terms and conditions of a call and shall appoint either the Ministry area Coordinators or a special Pastoral Search Committee to take the necessary consultative steps with a view to recommending to a subsequent church meeting person to be called to the pastorate of the church. 4.. The Ministry Area Coordinators or the Pastoral Search Committee as the case may be shall invite members of the church to submit confidentially the names of persons considered suitable for the filling of the pastoral vacancy. Other persons suggested by the Advisory Board, the General Superintendent or by other sources may also be considered. 5.. The Ministry Area Coordinators or the Pastoral Search Committee shall confidentially interview persons considered by it to be suitable for filling the pastoral vacancy. Usually the General Superintendent on behalf of the inviting church will arrange conference without prejudice. Negotiations shall be conducted with only one person at any one time. 6.. When the Ministry Area Coordinators or Pastoral Search Committee is of a mind to recommend a person to a church meeting with a view to a call to the pastorate, it shall first obtain the consent of that person and an indication from him or her that if a call is made he or she will most likely accept it. His or her agreement to the terms and conditions of the call as set by the church meeting shall also be obtained. 7.. The church Secretary of the church shall, on behalf of the Ministry Area coordinators or the Pastoral Search Committee, convene an extraordinary meeting of the church for the sole reason of considering the recommendation in respect or the issue of a call to the pastorate. Two Sunday's notice shall be given of the meeting but the name of the person to be considered shall not be made known until the meeting has commenced. 8.. At the extraordinary meeting voting shall e by ballot and a call shall not be issued unless at least two thirds of the members of the church who are present and who vote in favor of issuing the call. Details of voting shall be confidential, known only to the scrutineers and the Chairperson; and shall be made available on request to the pastor under consideration. 9.. If the extraordinary meeting shall decide to issue a call then the Moderator shall advise the call and its terms and conditions and shall seek a response. 10.. No public announcement of the outcome of the meeting shall be made until the response of the person concerned had been communicated to the church. 11.. If the extraordinary meeting shall decide not to issue a call then the Moderator shall advise the General Superintendent and The Ministry area Coordinator or Pastoral Search Committee with the Moderator shall continue the search for a senior pastor. l.. Associate Pastors shall be called similarly but without the need for the Baptist Union or a Moderator to be involved. APPENDIX 4

CHURCH LEADERSHIP

Introduction

The church will from time to time state its vision, goals and strategy. These can only be made effective if they are 'owned' by the church and appropriately gifted people who are appointed to fill leadership roles. The following outline is not based on status or hierarchical system but it is based on responsibility ad entails accountability to one another and to our Lord.

It is His work and we are His servants -

The Pastor

The Pastor is responsible for the spiritual oversight of the church and will seek to facilitate the ministry of each member of 'the team' - and has a three-fold task, which will be shared with others.

As a Preacher/Teacher/Evangelist -

a.. Will work with and through any associate Pastor who may be appointed, and other appointees

As Shepherd/Carer/encourager -

a.. Will work with and through the Elders, and other appointees.

As Leader/Manager/Coordinator -

a.. Will work with and though the Church Administrator, Treasurer and other appointees.

These roles and those, which follow, are not to be seen as watertight compartments. There will be on occasions an ebb and flow between roles. There will be a mutuality of respect, accountability and flexibility.

The church Secretary

This officer will seek the assistance of others, but has the responsibility for correspondence, records, agendas, minutes, and the smooth operation of the church office and generally facilitate the work of the team.

The Treasurer

This officer will be responsible for banking, preparation of financial statements and reports, recommend on all financial matters as requested, draft the annual budget, and see that an auditor is appointed.

Ministry Area Coordinators' Position

a.. Administration responsible for the coordination of all church administrative duties and personnel.

b.. Property - with oversight of maintenance and projected development for church buildings, and coordinating church finances.

c.. Children's Ministry - incorporating all programs for children under secondary school age, such as: children's, Church age groups, Playgroups, After School and Holiday Programs, Kids festivals.

d.. Missions - providing direction for our mission support, facilitate our giving and other means of support for missionaries, both local and overseas.

e.. Evangelism - coordination of contact between the church, unchurched people, and their integration into the church.

f.. Worship - coordination of music program including worship and items for all Church services and other programs.

g.. Small Groups - coordination, including training of leaders, and development of all snail groups in the church.

h.. Seniors -

i.. Prayer -

j.. Church Family -

k.. Community -

l.. General - Expectations of Ministry Area Coordinators

a.. A committed Christian of good repute with the church

b.. A member and regular attendee of the church

c.. A desire to serve the church utilizing their gifts and abilities, time and energy. Commitment to supporting the "Directional Statements', and leadership of the church, being accountable to both of these decisions -

d.. Available to meet at monthly meetings to discuss and decide matters of church direction, values and other strategic issues arising, which affect the church organisation. Likewise to be available for special meetings called at certain times for urgent consideration of the above matters.

e.. Committed to personal development and maturity as a Christian believer, including regular practice of the spiritual disciplines.

f.. Committees to excellence in serving God and His people. SAMPLE 2.

The QUALITIES OF CHURCH LEADERS should be:

1.. Scriptural basis [as in 1 Tim 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9]

2.. Strong commitment to the church and its ministries

3.. Giftedness for the specific task for which they are nominated

4.. Ability to work with and relate to others

5.. Ability to manage time and balance priorities

6.. Willingness to see and be interested in the whole picture and not just their own particular area[s]

7.. Ability to analyse problems and creatively seek solutions [or be able to work with others who can]

8.. Ability to execute decisions and make them work. CHURCH COUNCIL

2-year appointment

Accountable to the Church Members

Membership qualifications as in "Qualities of a Church Leader"

Elected by the church after nomination by the Nominating Committee

Role [to include]

a.. Visioning for the church

b.. Setting strategic objectives, policies and procedures

c.. Responsibility for the annual HBC conference

d.. To bring reports and recommendations to church members

e.. To support and advise the senior pastor on all aspects of church life

f.. Responsibility for regular independent appraisals of pastoral and administration staff, as well as professional development and training

g.. Availability to HBC members - to receive new ideas, suggestions, concerns and problems

h.. Willingness to attend seminars and conferences.

The person for this position needs to be:

a.. Prayerful

b.. A good communicator

c.. A person of vision, wisdom, leadership and discernment SENIOR PASTOR

Accountable to the church members through the church Council

Senior Pastor qualifications include the "Qualities of a Church Leader"

Nominated by Pastoral Search Committee and approved by Church members

Role [to include]

a.. Be a Visionary

b.. Teach, preach and be responsible for the church's doctrine and practice

c.. Co-ordinate the teaching and preaching ministry within the church

d.. To have oversight of Church worship

e.. With the council, to set up strategic objectives

f.. To lead the Church

g.. To actively encourage and develop Small Groups within the Church

h.. To be responsible [not necessarily personally] for training of those who head up ministry areas

In the event that we have no Senior Pastor, the Church Council would appoint a Team Leader to be approved by the Church members.

PASTORS

Accountable to the Church Council through the senior Pastor

Qualifications include the "Qualities of a church Leader"

Nominated by the Pastoral Search Group, approved by the Senior Pastor and Church members.

Role [to include]

a.. Responsible to oversee the running of the respective area[s] to which they are appointed

b.. Train, encourage and mentor future ministry leaders PASTORAL ELDERS

2-year appointment

Accountable to the Senior Pastor

Up to 5 members

Elected by the Church after nomination by the Nominating Committee

Qualifications include the "Qualities of a Church Leader"

Meet regularly with the Senior Pastor on an individual basis and collectively according to need

Role [to include]

a.. To be spiritual leaders, not administrators

b.. Pastoral care and nurture of people [including pastors]

c.. Support of pastors and staff

d.. To give input to ensure quality teaching and leadership

The person for this position needs to be:

A mature, prayerful Christian of good character, having integrity and wisdom demonstrated by attitude and action

a.. Able to keep confidences

b.. Willing to get alongside people and listen

c.. Abel to demonstrate acceptance of and love for people

d.. Available for some visitation during the week MINISTRY AREA LEADERS

2-year appointment

Lay persons who are passionate and gifted for the particular ministry area. [At present including Children & Families; Service; Outreach; Fellowship]

Accountable to the church Council through he Senior Pastor

Elected by the Church following nomination by the Nominating Committee

Role [to include]

a.. To be responsible to develop the ministry area

b.. Training and teaching

c.. To encourage and inspire

d.. Mentoring

e.. Abel to develop new areas

The person for this position needs to have:

Children & Families

a.. A heart for young parents and children

b.. The gift of leadership

Ministry groups - Early Childhood [Toddlers, Playgroup, Pre-School], Chat n' Challenge, Craft, Creche, Holiday Club, Sunday school

Fellowship

a.. A warm, people person, who relates well, and is accepting of others

b.. To have leadership ability

c.. A creative person, who has the ability to develop new areas

Ministry groups - Church-based groups/activities for all ages, Kitchen & Catering, Sporting Teams

Outreach

a.. A passion and a gift for evangelism

b.. Be a leader

Ministry groups - Alpha, CRE, Missions and other evangelistic activities

Service

a.. A heart for the small group ministry

b.. An ability to lead and motivate others

Ministry to all small Groups including 'Women in Worship'

ADMINISTRATION TEAM LEADERS

2-year appointment

Communication

a.. A heart for young parents and children

b.. The gift of leadership

Role [to include]

a.. To oversee team members

b.. To ensure the budget is prepared

c.. To report regularly to Church council

d.. To creatively explore and initiate effective forms of communication

e.. Freedom to operate within the role

The person for this position needs to have:

a.. A creative person with gifts in communication

b.. A delegator

c.. Abel to work with the Administrator and Senior Pastor

d.. Abel to encourage and mentor members of the team and ensure their role is carried out well.

Areas of responsibility will include communication mediums such as church weekly bulletin, web page, church directory, church paper, articles for such things as Baptist Witness, advertising/promotion both within HBC and outside, communication development.

Finance

Role [to include]

a.. To oversee the Finance Committee

b.. Allocation of responsibilities to committee members

c.. To ensure the budget is prepared

d.. To report regularly to the Church Council

e.. To initiate training where necessary

f.. Freedom to operate with the role

The person for this position needs to be:

a.. A manager, not necessarily a leader, but capable of good management

b.. A delegator

c.. Abel to work with the Administrator and Senior Pastor

d.. Abel to encourage and mentor members and ensure their role is carried out well.

Property

Role [to include]

a.. To oversee the Property Committee

b.. Allocation of responsibilities to committee members

c.. To ensure a budget is prepared

d.. T o report regularly to the Church Council

e.. To ensure a list of

The person for this position needs to have:

a.. A creative person with gifts in communication

b.. A delegator

c.. Abel to work with the Administrator and Senior Pastor

d.. Abel to encourage and mentor members of the team and ensure their role is carried out well.

Groups in this area are - Maintenance, Property, and Building Development.

Stewardship

Role [to include]

a.. To oversee the Stewardship Committee

b.. To allocate responsibilities to committee members

c.. To initiate training where necessary

The person for this position needs to be:

a.. A manager, not necessarily a leader, but capable of good management

b.. A delegator

c.. Abel to work with the Administrator and Senior Pastor

d.. Abel to encourage and mentor committee members, and ensure their role is carried out well.

e.. Groups in this area are - lawn mowing, cleaning, audio, stewards, flowers, communion preparation, creche, morning tea preparation. NOMINATION PROCESS

Nominating Committee consisting.

Senior Pastor, 2 present leaders, 3 church members.

Role of this Committee is to

a.. Pray

b.. Look at the qualities required in Church leaders

c.. Look at the gifting required in each position

d.. Seek those who best fulfill the roles

e.. Seek permission from those selected to bring their names forward and post nominations 2 Sundays before meeting

Church members shall be encouraged to present names to the Nominating committee for consideration.

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SAMPLE 2:

"STRUCTURE CHART"

(Appendix A)

REFER EXCEL SPREADSHEET

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SAMPLE 3.

Job Description for Coordinator

General Outline

The role of a coordinator is to help in the pastoral care of the people involved in the ministries assigned o his or her care. Keep the 'big picture ' of the overall ministries within the church view to help facilitate liaison and communication between ministries.

Essential Criteria

1.. A commitment to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord

2.. A current member of **** Baptist church for at least two years

3.. A willingness to be accountable to the Pastoral Team and Eldership

Personal Role Development

1.. Meet with senior pastor on a regular basis to report on the ministries under your care and personal growth and development

Pastoral Care

1.. To have regular contact with the leaders of each ministry under their care by:

1.. Taking a personal interest in each leader's general well-being

2.. Having a regular meeting with each leader for discussion and prayer

3.. Encourage each leaders spiritual growth

4.. Encourage each leader to develop vision statement and strategy for each ministry

5.. Encouraging the leaders to grow and develop in their gifting and leadership ability

6.. Refer to pastors any difficulties arising within a ministry that need further attention. Such as: personnel difficulties with in a ministry, ministry member needing pastoral assistance.

Liaison and Communication

1 Attend to all key leaders meetings

2 Convey to the leaders under your care appropriate information from key leaders meetings

3 Encourage cooperation between ministries to assist in overall ministry direction

4 Liaise with other key leaders

Christian Life (Adult Christian Education) Coordinator

Objective

To ensure that seekers are given a clear presentation of the Gospel and new believers grow into Christian maturity.

Responsibilities

1.. Assist the formation of Simply Christianity or Alpha type groups to give a clear explanation of the Gospel in conjunction with outreach coordinator.

2.. Foster the discipleship of young Christians in special discipleship groups.

3.. Develop membership classes in conjunction with the outreach coordinator

4.. Provide baptism classes and encourage participation in a church cell group in conjunction with the cell group coordinator

5.. Offer Network course to help believers in discovering their spiritual gift.

Materials

1 Source suitable manuals and study material from; other churches, Christian bookshops, and para-church organizations.

2 Prepare our own materials like life groups to suit our needs

Personnel

1 Identify potential appropriately gifted couples/persons to lead these groups

2 Enlist elders and other gifted teachers

3 Enlist pastoral leaders

Cell Group Coordinator

Responsibilities

1 Develop a strategy for increasing participation in cell groups

2 Provide Cell Group leaders with a contact point for communication of issues or concerns

3 Assist in the identification of resources to assist cell Group leaders in their role and provide opportunities for ongoing training e.g. Seminars that are offered by other organizations, regular times for cell Group leaders to get together for sharing and encouragement.

4 Assist Pastors and elders in the identification of new Cell Group leaders

5 Provide training for new Cell Group leaders

6 Develop a mechanism for the review of each Cell Group

Youth Coordinator

Specific Objective

Work closely with leaders to provide a safe and healthy group environment of fun and fellowship in which young people can explore, discover and develop their relationship with God and their friendship with each other.

Responsibilities

1.. Help develop and organize a variety of Youth Group activities of a social nature, which include a devotional time.

2.. Develop a Bible study group that is relevant to young people

3.. Encourage leaders to build relationships with the young people that will enable personal input into their lives (pastoral care)

4.. Encourage leadership development

5.. Help Christian youth explore ministry gifting

6.. Encourage Christian growth through discipleship in conjunction with Christian life coordinator Adult Ministries Coordinator

Specific Objective

1.. Through the various adult ministries seek to build bridges to the community creating an opportunity to share the Gospel

2.. Through fellowship or social get together's help meet the specific needs of adult groups within the church to encourage Christian growth

Responsibilities

1.. Assist the leaders of each group in achieving their ministry goals by:

1.. Encouraging other suitably gifted church members to be involved in one of the ministries as a team member

2.. Help promote the ministries activites to the wider church

3.. Assist leaders source suitable ministry materials, or appropriate guest speakers.

4.. Be a sounding board for new ideas

2.. Encourage the leaders and their terms to build relationships with the adults attending their groups activities to encourage Christian growth

3.. Provide training through suitable seminars or organizing in-house raining to enable team members to feel confident in building relationships, sharing their faith or effectively ministering to those in need Outreach Coordinator

Specific Objective

Encourage outreach into the community with the Gospel and encourage church members to welcome new people to the church

Responsibilities

1.. Encourage and teach the church to be a welcoming church

2.. Encourage special welcoming groups who facilitates a welcoming luncheon for new people to meet church members and inform them of the ministries within the church

3.. Assist and encourage outreach ministries such as Simply Christianity and Alpha in conjunction with Christian life coordinator

4.. Provide or facilitate training in personal evangelism for Church members

5.. Help and encourage major outreach events held by the church locally or in the Northern region

6.. Encourage new outreach ministries to develop their ministry

7.. Foster awareness of Missions within the Church

8.. Assist missions committee when needed Board coordinator (Administrator)

Specific Objective

To oversee and ensure the smooth running of the business and infrastructure of the church

Responsibilities

1.. Delegate or perform all church secretarial duties

2.. Answering all correspondence in relation to matters of business or infrastructure

3.. Convene, compile reports, produce an agenda, and minute monthly Board meetings

4.. Convene, compile reports, produce an agenda, minute quarterly and Annual General members meetings

5.. Delegate visitation and reporting re application for church membership

6.. Maintain church membership role

7.. Supervise general office duties in liaison with office staff coordinator

8.. Negotiate hire of Church facilities in liaison with all other coordinators or general office CREATIVE MINISTRIES COORDINATOR

Specific Objectives

Encourage the development and use of music, drama and other art forms in the worship services and in the ministries of the Church

Responsibilities

1.. Source and compile suitable Christian music for worship and ministries use

2.. Comply with all copy right requirements

3.. Develop a team of musicians and roster for practice and participation in services

4.. Develop a team of singers and roster for practice and participation in services

5.. In conduction with Senior pastor develop music program for worship services

6.. Encourage the development of a team to perform short drama spots as required during worship services or by other ministries

7.. Encourage gifted church members to be involved in creative ministries

8.. Provide opportunities of gifted development of creative ministries

9.. Provide opportunities of gift development of creative ministries team members by; encouraging them to attend seminar, visiting other prominent churches, or in house training

10.. Help create a team spirit in each area of creative ministries acknowledging each members contribution and service for God Groundwork Coordinator

Specific Objective

To assist in providing a foundation on which children can respond to the Gospel and their Christian faith and life values

Responsibilities

1 Develop a working relationship with each ministry leader

2 Help develop ministry strategy for each ministry

3 Help the leader with staffing their ministry

4.. Encourage staff training by; source suitable outside seminars, organizing in-house training, and personal encouragement

5.. Help keep the vision of each ministry before the whole church

6.. Encourage new children ministries

7.. Liaise with all the ministries in Groundwork

8.. Liaise with Youth coordinator re. The migration of children from Groundwork to youth ministries SAMPLE 4.

ELDERS PASTORAL TEAM DEACONS

Wise council to Pastor & Minister Support

Administration

Nominated by Pastor affirmed by Church

Floor rights at Deacon's Meetings

Interns

&

Trainees

Ministry Team overseas Ministry sphere with budget

Vision Task Force (looking to future vision development, strategy)

Reports ideas to Deacons & Church

Liaise with coordinator of Ministry Team for encouragement, communication & accountability

PASTORAL TEAM

From time to time the Pastor will make recommendations regarding appointments and functions of the Pastoral Team. All members of the Pastoral Team, whether Associate or specialist Pastors and Deaconesses, will be approved by the church meeting and be responsible to the Pastor for their particular assignments. Clearly defined job statements prepared by the Pastor and approved by the church meeting will accompany all pastoral appointments. Stipends and allowances will also be approved by the Church meeting.

Pastoral Team members will hold the status of observers with floor rights at the meeting of the Diaconate.

The Pastor will hold regular weekly meetings with the Pastoral Team (as circumstances allow) when matters relating to the ministry of the Church will be discussed.

Termination

At such times as the Pastor or other members of the Pastoral Team believe their ministry is approaching its conclusion preliminary discussions are to be held with the Pastor, and/or the Elders. A minimum of three months notice is required.

ELDERS

a) Role

Ministry in the local church is the primary role of pastors and elders. In Baptist Churches the term Pastor is used of the man who preaches regularly, and supervises the pastoral care of the congregation; he is in the Baptist tradition the Senior Elder and occupies a key role of leadership.

The functions of elders include general oversight of the Church, pastoral visitation, teaching, and maters of discipline, ensuring that the ministry of the church is in keeping with the teaching of the New Testament, and seeking to foster spiritual growth in the lives of individuals, and of the Church generally.

b) Qualifications

An Elder is required to have spiritual maturity and experience. Qualifications as set down in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 are necessary together with such marks of maturity as are found in Galatians 5:22-23.

c) Nomination

The nomination of Elders is made y the Pastor in consultation with the Elders.

d) Election

Election and terms of service is the same as that for deacons. Other members if the Pastoral Team do not automatically become Elders.

e) Number of Elders

There should be a plurality of Elders, but chosen because of their gifts and not simply to fill a position, which happens to be vacant.

f) Frequency of Meetings

The Elders will meet together with the Pastor on a regular basis to discuss the ministry requirements of the Church, and its individual members. The frequency of these meetings will be determined from time to time by the needs of the Church as determined by the Elders.

g) Elders and Diaconate

All Elders may attend all meetings of the Diaconate and speak to all matters raised, but are not entitled to vote.

The Elders are required to leave the general administration of the Church to the Deacons, except when some matter arises that the Elders deem to have adverse effects on the spiritual health of the Church or its members, or the testimony of the Church in the community.

h) Recommendations of Elders

The Elders have the right to bring recommendations to the Church meeting, following discussion with the Diaconate of such recommendations.

a.. Resignation and Call of the Pastor

In the event of the resignation of the Pastor, the Elders presently serving will continue to serve without re-election until the Annual Church Meeting following the induction of a new Pastor.

SAMPLE 5.

ELDERSHIP

***** Baptist Church is over sighted by an eldership an all Pastors are included on the eldership team. As an eldership we meet every month to worship God, seek his direction for the decisions we make pertaining to the life of the Church. We also pray for and support each other. Currently there are 5 men and 1 lady on the eldership team.

DEACONS AND MINISTRY COORDINATORS

This level of leadership involves all those who have been given oversight in various ministry areas such as music, children's ministry, pastoral care, missions, youth, just to name a few.

HOME CARING FELLOWSHIP LEADERS

The other level of leadership we have is our small group leaders' who provide pastoral oversight over a small group. ***** is a cell based regional church and our small cell groups take on various forms and are considered the lifeblood of the Church. These leaders play a vital role in the area if leading, caring, nurturing, teaching, equipping and identifying and raising up new leadership.

LEADERS MEETINGS

As an Eldership we meet regularly with all leadership. This takes the form of a regular leadership cell, which we ask all leaders to attend. At times we may have up to 40 leaders present. These meetings consist of worship, vision casting, ministry to each other, equipping and feedback to the eldership from leaders on anything relevant to the life and ministry of the fellowship.

Outside these times the pastors are in regular contact with these leaders finding out how they and their area of oversight is going.

Ministry coordinators will also organize to meet with those who are taking leadership roles within their area of oversight. For example the person heading up our children's ministry will meet with those who also play a leadership role in that area. These meetings are set aside for prayer, planning and to talk about the overall direction and health of the ministry. This information is then fed back to the pastors.

DECISION MAKING

As an eldership led by the church decisions on important maters are made on the basis of recommendations. For example if decided we want to appoint an new elder we will firstly make this known to our leaders at a leadership cell where we ask for feedback from them and ask them to pray about it. After this we will make recommendations known to the wider congregation from which they can feedback either to us personally as pastors or via their small group or ministry leader. After about 4 weeks we will ask the congregation to vote on the decision.

LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

ELDERS

(All pastors are included on the eldership team)

DEACONS & COORDINATORS HCF LEADERS

Specific areas of ministry Pastoral oversight

Worship Over a small group

Children's ministry

Pastoral Care

Missions

Treasurer

Youth

SAMPLE 6.

THE LEADERSHIP TEAM

a) The leadership team will provide for the church, will ensure that pastoral needs of the church are addressed, and will oversee the running of the church's missions, as delegated to it by the church meeting. The leadership team is always accountable to the church meeting.

b) The leadership team will consist of the pastor(s) and up to 8 elected representatives ('the deacons') of the church. Nominations for deacons must be in writing signed by two church members and the person nominated and submitted no later than the Sunday before the church meeting voting on the nomination(s). The elected representatives must be members of the church (for at least six months prior to the election) and shall be elected at an Annual Church Meeting for a period of up to two years, each requiring two-thirds majority of members who are present and who vote. Elections for deacons' positions will be y secret ballot.

c) Approximately half of the number of elected representatives' positions shall fall vacant at each Annual Church Meeting. Any church meeting may decide (to alter) the number of deacons, with effect from the following annual Church Meeting. Such a decision shall not shorten the term of any person serving on the leadership team. A vacancy on the deacons may be filled at any church meeting, with the elected person serving the remainder of the vacated term.

d) The deacons shall elect from amongst themselves a Church Treasurer and may elect a Church Secretary and/or Chairman. The leadership team will be portfolio-based and will have power to delegate key responsibilities such as pastoral care, worship, missions, children, finance, secretary and property.

e) The leadership team will meet at least monthly. Half of the leadership team forms a quorum. The leadership team must keep records of their meetings.

September 2002