Elder Qualifications
Church of the City Elders are nominated by the congregation and undergo a robust screening and interview process before they are eligible for election to the Elder Board. Accepting the volunteer role of Elder is not something to be taken lightly; Elders make extensive time commitments and take on deep spiritual responsibility in leading Church of the City, and we are grateful for their selfless service on our behalf.
Elder Prerequisites
- Elders cannot be nominated by himself or wife.
- Elders must be a Stakeholder.
- Must be known and approved for consideration by a current member of the Elder Board.
- Must have capacity, flexibility and availability to serve in the Elder role. The time requirement varies greatly month to month, but the minimum includes monthly meetings and committee responsibilities.
Time Commitment for Elders
- Elders’ meeting—one evening per month.
- Four to six hours (on average) per month for review of Elder board materials, policies, correspondence, meeting preparation, and team conference calls.
- In addition to the regular Elders’ meeting, committee responsibilities may require additional hours each month, depending on the committee’s requirements.
- If serious issues arise that require immediate attention by the Elder board, additional hours may be required outside of regular Elders’ meetings.
Elder Responsibilities
At Church of the City, our Elders:
- Carry the ultimate responsibility and authority to see that the church remains on a true biblical course; that its Stakeholders and attendees are being appropriately shepherded, that the body is being fed through insightful and accurate biblical teaching, and that the life of the church is being well managed with the assistance of competent and godly leaders.
- Guard the body of Christ against harmful influences, confronting those who are contradicting biblical truth or continuing in a pattern of sinful behavior.
- Shepherd the church by being an example and role model.
- Care about the spiritual and physical well being of members; pray regularly for the sick.
- Oversee each of the churches in Franklin, East Nashville, Spring Hill and Sylvan Park.
The Elders of Church of the City are responsible for the following, but may delegate to other qualified people in the body so these duties are carried out effectively.
Provide Spiritual Oversight
- Confront false teaching and behavior contradictory to biblical truth and implement appropriate church discipline
- Maintain the administration of Baptism and Communion as instituted by Christ
- Review and evaluate teaching and curricula for biblical accuracy and consistency with COTC Vision, Mission and Values.
- Implement and monitor compliance with board policy
- Mandate ministry to the poor and distressed
Shepherd the Flock
- Participate (as needed) in the biblical process of conflict resolution outlined by Jesus in Matthew 18
- Direct people into appropriate processes for guidance, assistance, and problem resolution
- Respond to letters/phone calls from the church body, staff, or public
Manage the Church
- Affirm the annual Church of the City budget
- Encourage the senior pastor, his staff, and volunteers
- Conduct annual review of the senior pastor
- Delegate to qualified assistants, staff, and/or outside experts as needed
Pray for the Sick
- Affirm the work of the Prayer Team
- In special circumstances, visit attendees who are sick (at home or in the hospital) for private counsel
