Our church is in the process of establishing a Lay Elder Team. The information below is not only for those who are interested in pursuing this calling, but also those who make up the church body. This will provide our church with a better understanding of how God uses Lay Elders to support the Pastoral Team, and ultimately build up and equip the church body. As our church has continued to grow, we have seen it necessary to expand our leadership to better care for and shepherd The Summit Church!
If you prefer to view/download the overview, qualifications, duties, and application in one document, you can find that HERE!
to the Church Concerning Lay Elders
A Word from Pastor Jeff and Tom
As our church family continues to grow, we want to make sure that every person is known, cared for, and spiritually supported. Our heart is to build a culture where no one walks alone—and where spiritual leadership is shared by faithful men who love and serve the body of Christ.
To help strengthen that kind of care and shepherding, we’re forming a Lay Elder Team—a group of qualified men from within our congregation who will come alongside the pastors to pray, lead, and shepherd the people of The Summit.
What Is a Lay Elder?
A lay elder is a faithful man from within the church body who helps shepherd God’s people. He’s not a paid pastor, but his role is just as important. Lay elders pray for the church, teach the Word, lead with humility, and walk alongside our people in everyday life. Their calling is to reflect the heart of Jesus—our Chief Shepherd—by caring for His church with wisdom, compassion, and integrity (1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)
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Why We’re Implementing Lay Elders
As our church grows, so does our desire to make sure everyone is known, cared for, and spiritually supported. The New Testament shows that churches were led by teams of elders who worked together to shepherd the flock. By establishing a Lay Elder Team, we’re following that same biblical pattern—expanding leadership and strengthening pastoral care throughout The Summit.
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What Lay Elders Do
Lay elders serve by:
Who Can Serve as a Lay Elder
The Bible gives qualifications for elders in passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These qualifications are about character, maturity, and integrity, not perfection. No one is expected to have it all together—elders are men who are qualified, not perfect; men who are continually growing through the help of the Holy Spirit.
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Our Hope for the Lay Elder Team
We believe the Lay Elder Team will help ensure that no one walks alone at The Summit. Through their presence, prayer, and care, our elders will help build a healthy, connected, and spiritually thriving church family—one that continues to grow in unity and faith under Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).
As our church family continues to grow, we want to make sure that every person is known, cared for, and spiritually supported. Our heart is to build a culture where no one walks alone—and where spiritual leadership is shared by faithful men who love and serve the body of Christ.
To help strengthen that kind of care and shepherding, we’re forming a Lay Elder Team—a group of qualified men from within our congregation who will come alongside the pastors to pray, lead, and shepherd the people of The Summit.
What Is a Lay Elder?
A lay elder is a faithful man from within the church body who helps shepherd God’s people. He’s not a paid pastor, but his role is just as important. Lay elders pray for the church, teach the Word, lead with humility, and walk alongside our people in everyday life. Their calling is to reflect the heart of Jesus—our Chief Shepherd—by caring for His church with wisdom, compassion, and integrity (1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)
.
Why We’re Implementing Lay Elders
As our church grows, so does our desire to make sure everyone is known, cared for, and spiritually supported. The New Testament shows that churches were led by teams of elders who worked together to shepherd the flock. By establishing a Lay Elder Team, we’re following that same biblical pattern—expanding leadership and strengthening pastoral care throughout The Summit.
.
What Lay Elders Do
Lay elders serve by:
- Shepherding the flock — caring for and walking with members through life’s highs and lows
- Teaching and guarding the Word of God — helping others know and apply Scripture faithfully
- Modeling Christlike character — setting an example of humility, integrity, and faith
- Praying faithfully — interceding for our church and its mission
- Leading with courage and grace — guiding the church toward maturity in Christ
Who Can Serve as a Lay Elder
The Bible gives qualifications for elders in passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These qualifications are about character, maturity, and integrity, not perfection. No one is expected to have it all together—elders are men who are qualified, not perfect; men who are continually growing through the help of the Holy Spirit.
.
Our Hope for the Lay Elder Team
We believe the Lay Elder Team will help ensure that no one walks alone at The Summit. Through their presence, prayer, and care, our elders will help build a healthy, connected, and spiritually thriving church family—one that continues to grow in unity and faith under Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).