Lay Elder Team
Duties

1. Teaching and Guarding the Word
  • Regularly teach in some context: Sunday classes, small groups, youth, or one-on-one Bible studies.
  • Review and affirm the church’s doctrinal statement and ensure all teaching aligns with it.
  • Read through the church’s curriculum and listen to sermons from other leaders to ensure soundness.
  • Identify and mentor at least one younger man to develop as a future teacher (2 Tim. 2:2).
  • Be ready to gently correct members when false teaching or misunderstandings arise (Acts 20:30–31).

2. Leading with Courage
  • Attend and actively contribute to elder meetings, making decisions prayerfully and biblically.
  • Take initiative to reach out to members drifting from fellowship.
  • Be willing to confront sin lovingly, pursuing Matthew 18 church discipline when necessary.
  • Participate in strategic planning for the church’s mission, budget, and ministry direction.
  • Lead by example in evangelism and disciple-making, encouraging members to follow.

3. Modeling Christlike Character
  • Live transparently: invite church members into your home and let them see your life up close.
  • Pursue ongoing accountability with fellow elders to guard against hidden sin.
  • Keep your marriage strong and prioritize family discipleship — your home is your first ministry.
  • Maintain financial integrity; be open and accountable in how you handle resources.
  • Demonstrate humility by admitting mistakes and asking forgiveness when needed.

4. Devotion to Prayer
  • Pray through the church membership regularly; cover each member in prayer over the course of weeks.
  • Set aside time in elder meetings for focused prayer for the congregation and mission.
  • Offer to pray with members immediately during conversations, not just later.
  • Intercede for your fellow elders, staff, and deacons by name.
  • Lead the congregation in public prayer, modeling dependence on God in worship gatherings.

5. Cultivating a Shepherd’s Heart
  • Visit the sick, homebound, and grieving members regularly.
  • Be accessible: make time for coffee, meals, or home visits to encourage members personally.
  • Keep a pulse on the spiritual health of the church — listen well and ask questions.
  • Celebrate spiritual growth: recognize faithfulness and encourage members in visible ways.
  • Walk with members through trials, offering both biblical counsel and compassionate presence.

6. Guarding the Church’s Witness
  • Maintain a good reputation in the community: integrity in work, family, and neighborhood.
  • Lead the way in community involvement, showing that faith extends beyond Sunday gatherings.
  • Be above reproach in financial dealings, speech, and conduct in public.
  • Encourage members to live missionally so the church is known for love and truth.

Summary of Duties Required
  • Complete Lay Elder Team Training sessions
  • Attend regular Lay Elder Meetings with the Pastors
  • Availability on Sunday mornings to greet people and engage conversation with guests
  • Occasional visits to church members (spiritual needs)
  • Monthly contacting of assigned members to better pray for them (phone, email, or in-person)
  • Teach somewhere at least once a quarter
  • Invest in someone in a regular discipleship relationship
  • Be visible among the church body on Sundays and programming per your schedule