Jesus is
our Leader
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.