Church Officers

About Church Officers

Elders: Elders are called to partner with teaching elders to lead the church. They are responsible for guiding, governing, spiritual discernment, and discipline. Elders should display strong leadership, wisdom, and a deep commitment to serving God’s people.

Understanding church leadership roles

Biblical qualifications:

1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Deacons: Deacons are called to serve with compassion and uphold the example of Christ. Their role is one of empathy, service, and practical assistance. Deacons should embody integrity, love, and sound judgment

Biblical qualifications:

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Key Traits for Officers

◆ Respected for their character and actions
◆ Free from harmful addictions
◆ Honest and ethical in all dealings
◆ Faithful in marriage (if married) & a nurturing family leader
◆ Strong understanding of sound doctrine ◆ Demonstrate commitment to serving the church

The Nomination Process

Learn more about the church officer nomination and election process:

Frequently Asked Questions

Officer Nominations take place annually in the month of November.
Any member of West End Community Church in good standing can submit nominations for elder or deacon officers during the open nomination period.
1. Prayerfully consider the biblical and church-defined qualifications for elder or deacon roles.
2. Speak with the potential nominee and confirm that he is willing and able to learn more about serving as an elder or deacon if nominated.
3. An online nomination form will be published and communicated during the nomination period to formally submit your nomination.
Review: After nominations close, the Session screens candidates for membership standing, Christian maturity, and biblical qualifications for office.
Training: Those who continue participate in theological and practical training led by pastors and elders to prepare them for service as officers.
Evaluation: Candidates complete questionnaires, provide references, and interview with the Session to assess their faith, sense of call, theology, character, and readiness for ministry.
Approval: The Session recommends candidates to the congregation for election at the annual October congregational meeting.

Ordination & Installation: Those elected are set apart in a worship service through prayer and the laying on of hands, beginning their service immediately.