Why do churches have Elder Teams?

As churches began in the Bible, teams of wise, seasoned leaders were formed to help guide and direct each church. These teams of “elders” served by leading in ministry, discerning wise next steps, praying with the hurting, helping people through conflict, and ensuring the church followed God wholeheartedly. (Titus 1:5, 1 Peter 5:1-3, Acts 20:28-31, Hebrews 13:17) The Elder Team of Canyon Ridge does these same things today. This team leadership is Biblical, God-honoring, and effective in leading Canyon Ridge to be and do all God has in mind. By meeting regularly as a team with the Lead Pastor, who is an elder, and fulfilling the roles above, the people of Canyon Ridge can have greater confidence the church is always heading in the right direction.

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What does it take to be an elder?

Elders partner together to spiritually lead, wisely counsel, and hold accountable the mission of Canyon Ridge. The elders create a strong sense of community and support to help create the space and tools for people to make disciples who make disciples for too many generations to count! There are two key things to remember for somebody considering to be an elder: qualifications and availability.

Qualifications:

Take some time to consider 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Prayerfully consider if this description is generally true of the person you would like to nominate. Keep in mind, that no one is perfect in all of these. However, they should be generally and increasingly true of every follower of Jesus. Consider their serving, leading, giving, and participation in the community as evidence of living out the qualifications in the Scriptures above.

Availability:

Ability is not the only factor in deciding. While the description of an elder may fit, the role may or may not. Elders meet for at least three hours once a month, pray together for an hour once a month, and do semi-annual retreats. On top of this time commitment, elders participate in key events for Canyon Ridge and various reconciliation, restoration, and hiring meetings as needed. 

Do you know somebody who would be a good fit?

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The Process of Elder Selection at Canyon Ridge

After considering the requirements above, prayerfully consider if God is inviting you to nominate somebody to engage in the process in this season.

1. After taking some time to pray with this person, fill out this form.

2. They will then be given a questionnaire and asked to commit to entering a process of discernment with the elders to help determine if this is what God is calling them to do.

3. Current elders will select appropriate candidates to receive a more robust application and will be invited to interview with the elders for further discernment.

4. Nominees will be presented to the church to invite further affirmation.

5. Elders who are confirmed by the current eldership and the congregation will begin an apprentice year of eldership. Upon successful completion of the apprentice year (learning the process while allowing to see if they fit), elders serve two more years, with a possible second 3-year team followed by a 1-year sabbatical.

Throughout the process, the Elder Team trusts that God to make clear what he has in mind for each applicant.

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Elders of Canyon Ridge