Nominations for the office of Elder and the office of Deacon at Church of the Good Shepherd are open from Friday December 15, 2023 through Sunday January 21, 2024. To review the logistics of how to nominate a man for Elder or Deacon, please click here. This page includes a reminder of the role and the spiritual qualifications of Elders and Deacons, as well as the requirements of a candidate for one of these offices after his nomination has been approved.
The Role of Elders and Deacons
From the Constitution of CGS, Article V:
The head of the universal Church is Jesus Christ, who has delegated to human leaders the nurture and protection of his church. Therefore, in accordance with Scripture, the ordinary and perpetual classes of office in the church are elders and deacons. The elders include both teaching and ruling elders, who are jointly responsible for the government and oversight of the church. The deacons’ office is not one of rule, but of service both to the physical and spiritual needs of the people.
Scriptural Qualifications of Elders:
1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9
Scriptural Qualifications of Deacons:
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Requirements of a Candidate for Elder or Deacon Following Nomination:
After nominations close, the Session will supervise a process of teaching and vetting within the group of candidates. This process will include a number of weekly gatherings of about 90 minutes duration each, as well as independent study. Following the completion of these studies, oral examination, and interviews, the Session will report to the congregation those candidates who are eligible to stand for formal election by the congregation.