What is an elder?
An elder, quite simply, is an overseer in the local church. An elder has been identified, examined, and answered the call to oversee the spiritual community, fight for relational unity, and to protect from doctrinal heresy. Elders are not a board of directors but a table of shepherds who protect the heart of Jesus’ church. At The MET, we believe elders/overseers are accountable to the Lord for the church, with Jesus being the ultimate head. We also believe that the role of elder/overseer is strictly for males, reflecting headship and accountability.
Elders were first appointed at The MET in 2015. But it was and continues to be one of the most significant decisions we have made in our church’s recent history. The MET is led by our Pastor and staff but overseen and governed by our Eldership. Many of the resources listed on this page can give you keen insights and awareness around the theology, best practices, and the unique role of Eldership. Take your time to browse, read, and familiarize yourself with the resources. Don’t get overwhelmed; take it one day at a time, one step at a time.
The process of being appointed as an Elder at The MET is simple. We do, however, take this responsibility seriously and believe the culture we create at the Eldership table is as critical to the mission of Jesus’ church as the culture of the staff, our Sunday morning experiences, and our ministry offerings to this community.It is a highly relational process, as is everything at The MET. We seek to lead with relationship in all we do, which includes our bi-monthly meetings, retreats, writing of new policies, engagement of scripture, protection of the bride – all of it centers around being in and protecting meaningful relationship with God and each other.
Process Overview
As you prepare your heart to walk through this journey, here are some key points to consider on the path ahead.
Apply
Fill out the Elder Questionnaire
Embrace Vulnerability
Embrace vulnerability throughout this process – be willing to share your story, your life, and your heart, not just your thoughts.
Key Doctrine
Familiarize yourself with key doctrines of Scripture – Salvation, Baptism, The Trinity, Inerrancy of Scripture, Sin, Tithing, etc. Take the time to know what you believe in these critical areas of theological understanding.
Meetings
Expect several meetings throughout the process – coffees or lunches with active Elders, 2-3 formal interviews (one of which will be with you and your spouse together).
Prepare For Wednesdays
Begin looking at your Wednesday evening activities and doing what you can now to free up the necessary time commitment – every other Wednesday from 5:30pm – 8pm approximately (includes dinner).
Ordination
Upon walking through the entirety of the process, you will be ordained as an Elder. This is simply a public ceremonial setting apart by current Elders and our congregation. You and your spouse will both be asked to attend and participate. It happens on a Sunday morning during each of our Worship Services.
The Process
- It is important to understand that Eldership is not simply a process we enter annually, semi-annually, etc. It is a recognition, an affirmation. Those invited to the table of Eldership are qualified men (see our statement of beliefs) who consistently exhibit the characteristics spelled out in Scripture. These men are also noticed by many, not by few, as being champions of vision and mission. They don’t waver in their commitment to this local body no matter how tough the terrain seems to get.
- The invitation is extended from the current elders. We are consistently looking for these types of individuals.
- As the Lord prompts us, we begin with a simple phone call or email to set up a relational conversation around eldership, the potential calling into this holy position, and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance as to the next steps with each potential leader God elevates and brings to our attention.
- There is no commitment on either party in this invitation. It is an invitation into a process, not a position.
- Present key passages for biblical eldership – Titus 1, 1 Timothy 3, I Peter 5
- Each potential elder and spouse are asked to review these key scripture passages together, marinate, and pray for a minimum of 1 month, asking God to reveal and confirm.
- Set up follow up for relational connection, as well as a debrief on the different revelations God brings.
- Throughout the next several weeks, continue to pursue in relationship – lunch, coffee, outside of the discussion and with the intention of building connection and trust.
- Meet to debrief Scripture passages, spousal feedback, and listen with the intent to understand…remain genuinely curious.
- Discuss the role of an Elder at the MET. It is a table of shepherds not a board of directors. This brings a lot of questions for those with an American business mentality of Eldership and leads to the right equipping conversations and clarifies expectations.
- This conversation really stretches beyond Eldership and moves us into an alignment conversation of heart, mind, and theology.
- Each potential Elder should be able to clearly articulate (in writing) his own doctrinal statements surrounding key doctrines: The Trinity, The Inerrancy of Scripture, Salvation, Baptism, Communion, etc.
- WHAT WE BELIEVE
- This conversation is also an opportunity to inquire about any hang ups or hurts with the MET over the years attended. We recognize that with every potential candidate comes potential challenges with the local church. Our goal in this conversation is not uniformity, but rather unity. Jesus prayed in John 17 that we would be one – this being a clear identifier for the world to believe Jesus was sent from the Father, and it’s our ultimate desire for all those serving in this capacity.
- This article is then presented as a follow up read, walking through some of the details around serving in this unique capacity. Again, this is for the sake of unity and understanding as to the purposes and function of biblical eldership.
- We then follow up and debrief the article, discussing hang ups, questions raised, and all other content ensuring we’re walking completely unified and clear in what lies ahead.
- We then engage the spouse of the elder with this portion of the process, asking both the candidate and the spouse to come in and meet with the current eldership. We want to hear your story, the story of faith, of marriage and family, of challenges and even struggles.
- This is when the conversation gets to a more vulnerable place – we ask questions surrounding the marriage relationship, conflict management, children – their paths and walks with Christ.
- The intention is not to expose, but it is extremely important that we know what lies beneath the rocks of your life. We are going to be sharing life at a real authentic level, and it’s an integral part of us knowing each other at an intimate level.
- This is the ceremony and confirmation with the church at large
- The ordination takes place on a Sunday morning during both services, and involves all elders, active and inactive as we pray over and lay hands on both the candidate and his spouse.
- There is a list of questions asked and affirmed, and then a celebration as we welcome the new elder into this amazing appointment.
- Each candidate is given hard copies or digital copies (your preference) of each of the following books. These are not a “read ASAP” by any means, but they give a clear understanding of what we are all about, and how we function together, the values we hold, and answers some of the theological questions that may get left out of the conversations throughout the process. These books and articles are, but are not limited to the following:
- Spiritual Leadership by Oswald Sanders
- Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch
- High Impact Church Boards by T.J. Addington
- Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp
- https://bible.org/seriespage/1-urgent-call-shepherd-god-s-flock
- https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/elder-now/
Further Questions?
If you have further questions regarding the process or requirements, feel free to email us at elders@themet.church. Thanks for taking this step in your life with care and sacredness – we’re thankful you are who you are and that God is working in you to accomplish all He has waiting for you!