Elder's Role
An elder's function is the leadership of the church body. His responsibility is to protect the congregation and the mission of the church. An elder serves on the governing board and will be accountable for his actions. An elder exists to provide spiritual counsel, healing, and teaching. (James 5:14-15; 1 Peter 5:1-3;). An elder should be available to the congregation to hear their concerns and needs. An elder should view his position as service to God and the people. He should not bring to himself any credit or have self-serving agenda. An elder's term is four years.

Scripture Reference:
James 5:14 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.
James 5:15 And their prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well. And anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. (NLT)

1Pet. 5:1 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share his glory and his honor when he returns. As a fellow elder, this is my appeal to you:
1Pet. 5:2 Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly‚Ä"not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
1Pet. 5:3 Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example. (NLT)

Elder's qualifications
Elders will demonstrate the qualities for a leader of the church as outlined in 1st Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 as well as meet the following requirements: An elder must be a member of BCC for at least 5 years.

• Serve
• Attend
• Tithe
• An elder must make a statement of faith that affirms
  
  • Jesus Christ is only way to salvation
  • BCC's mission and values.

Scripture Reference:
1Tim. 3:1 It is a true saying that if someone wants to be an elder, he desires an honorable responsibility.
1Tim. 3:2 For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exhibit self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be able to teach.
1Tim. 3:3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, peace loving, and not one who loves money.
1Tim. 3:4 He must manage his own family well, with children who respect and obey him.
1Tim. 3:5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?
1Tim. 3:6 An elder must not be a new Christian, because he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall.
1Tim. 3:7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not fall into the Devil's trap and be disgraced. (NLT)

Titus 1:5 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you.
Titus 1:6 An elder must be well thought of for his good life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who are not wild or rebellious.
Titus 1:7 An elder must live a blameless life because he is God's minister. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or greedy for money.
Titus 1:8 He must enjoy having guests in his home and must love all that is good. He must live wisely and be fair. He must live a devout and disciplined life.
Titus 1:9 He must have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with right teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. (NLT)

Elder Selection
Each year from October 1st through 31st, the congregation has the opportunity to nominate candidates to serve as elders*. If you have a person who you feel would make a good candidate, make sure he meets the criteria. Speak with the person about their willingness to serve in this capacity. If he agrees, write or email a letter that affirms why this person should be considered. You can send the letter to any elder via the church or the website. In November, the current elders will meet with potential candidates. The list of names will appear in the church program. If a member of BCC has just cause for the removal of a candidate, then they should contact one of the elders. In December, the elders will prayerfully consider the candidates and vote for two new elders. The new elders will be announced when they start their term in January.