JESUS OUR LEADER

We believe the scriptures are true when they say that Jesus is the one who is actively leading the church (1 Peter 5:4, Ephesians 5:23, Colossians 1:18). Jesus founded the church, died for the church, and is actively involved in leading His church. The leadership structure of our church family rests upon this wonderful reality.

ELDERS

Higher Expectations Church is governed by a plurality of qualified men, who meet the standards of scripture and serve alongside the lead pastor as player-coaches in the life of the church (1 Tim. 3:1-7; 2 Tim. 2:2; Titus 1:5-9). The elder-ship is a plurality of leadership, in that every elder is viewed as an equal. However, the elder-ship body will serve alongside the vision of the lead pastor who serves a first among equals in the elder-ship. The words “elder” and “pastor” are used interchangeably in the New Testament. Thus, as shepherds, the elder body will care for and protect the church.

Operating in unity, elders set the direction of the church as well as guard the church from false doctrine and false teachers who would try to infiltrate the body of Christ. They will humbly love, lead, serve, and discipline the members of the church. These men are godly, theologically solid, lead their marriages and families well, deeply involved in the life and ministry of the church, and understand and exhibit servant-leadership.

God calls elders. It is not a title based on popularity, power, or personality. To desire to be an elder is a good thing, but ultimately elders must be qualified by the maturity of character, relational chemistry, and competency in gifts.  As a team, the elder-ship will seek to maintain a balance of values and spiritual gifts that represent the body of Christ as a whole, yet will remain united to the unique vision and values our church.

DEACONS

Whereas elders will lead the church through governance, qualified deacons will lead the church through service (1 Tim. 3:8-13). A deacon is called and identified to minister to the church as servant-leaders. Deacons serve alongside the elders and other ministry leaders to ensure the mission and vision of the church are fulfilled.

 

COMMUNITY GROUP LEADERS

In addition to the offices of Elders and Deacons, Higher Expectations Church commissions Community Leaders who are trained, assessed, and approved to lead Community Groups. It is our hope that through community groups we will experience discipleship, fellowship, evangelism, and missions will be lived out together.

 

MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS

Ministry Team Leaders are those gifted servant leaders that lead various areas of ministry from the Set Up Team, Ushers, Greeters, Worship, Media, Children, Youth and Young Adults. They provide direction and guidance to members ensuring that members are exercising their gifts and talents to build up the local church.