Our Elders
Hill Country Bible Church is an elder-led church. These men have gone through an intensive process where the qualifications of an elder have been explored and their personal lives have been examined. Below you will find more information about this process and the qualifications. If you have more questions these men or how they function feel free to us.
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Patrick Burns (Barbara) Chairman, Facilities & Evangelism |
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Mike Criscolo (Nikki) Global Outreach & Prayer |
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Stacey Fox (Evija) Church Planting & Finances |
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Mike Knipstein (Heather) Benevolence & Children's Ministry |
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Keith Ferguson (Barie) |
How They Function:
The elders, as overseers of the local church, are responsible for the spiritual health of the Body. They are to glorify Christ by serving the Body according to the biblical principles of love and care. In practice, the elders establish the guidelines and policies for conducting services, programs, and the general conduct of church business. They are to lead by precept and example, realizing they are accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ for their efforts. (Heb. 13:17; Acts 20:24, 28)
Qualifications
The qualifications for an elder are set forth in the scriptural passages I Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1:1-9, and I Peter 5:1-4. He is to be self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, not a recent convert. He has a good reputation with outsiders, is not overbearing or quick-tempered, loves what is good, is upright, holy, disciplined, above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, respectable, not given to drunkenness, manages his own family well, sees that his children obey him, does not pursue dishonest gain, and keeps hold of deep truths. An elder demonstrates through leadership a commitment to the purposes, vision, and core values of the church.
Selection
Any man who aspires to the office of elder is first approved by a vote of the elders, then by a vote of the membership assembled at a duly-called congregational meeting.
Number and Term
There will be a maximum of seven elders at any time. Each man will serve for a four-year term. Under unusual circumstances, the Elder Board may extend an elder's term one year by majority vote, not to exceed five consecutive years. Upon conclusion of his term, he must function in a non-elder role for at least one year before becoming eligible for eldership again. A man filling an unexpired term of two years or less may be eligible to waive this one year at the end of his term and serve an additional term subject to the above prescribed selection process. The Lead Pastor serves as a perpetual elder and is one of the nine. The elders shall annually select a chairman to direct elder and congregational meetings. In the absence of the chairman, the elders will select an interim chairman.