Carpenter's Way

Leadership Model

: : A BIBLICAL MODEL OF CHURCH LEADERSHIP : :

Throughout the New Testament, principles of church leadership point to a central theme: plurality. The church is to be led by a plurality of godly leaders. By relying on consensual agreement of godly Elders selected from the congregation, the church creates healthy checks-and-balances of leadership direction, financial accountability, spiritual guidance, and ministry implementation.

Carpenter’s Way implements these biblical principles in its leadership structure. A strategy of biblically based policies and guidelines within its Church Elders and ministry leaders guides ministry decisions and ensures a healthy, God-honoring implementation of leadership and pastoral care is carried out. We look to the future with confidence, thanks to the servant leadership of this team of seasoned Christ followers.

: : ELDER DIRECTION AND STAFF LEADERSHIP : :

Carpenter’s Way Elders provide spiritual oversight, direction, and leadership for the overall church, entrusting the implementation of that direction to ministry leaders and staff, under the leadership of the Lead Pastor. Senior staff leadership is held accountable for fulfilling the Church Elders’ direction. This system of organizational leadership allows the Church Elders to focus their gifts and time on their biblical mandate to lead and shepherd the church, while allowing ministry leaders (staff) the opportunity to maximize their gifts and talents as they lead their ministries and make practical decisions on how to implement and carry out the direction provided by the Elders.

: : HOW ARE ELDERS SELECTED? : :

The Church Elders, who serve as representatives of the church, are first to serve at least one year as a Deacon. Deacons are vetted by the Elders and then after serving for one year are eligible only if they fit the Biblical criteria (1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6). Each Elder candidate undergoes a prayerful screening, interview, and approval process by those serving as Church Elders. Approved candidates are then presented to Carpenter’s Way participating members, who have a 30-day opportunity to express any concerns directly to a nominated Elder candidate, utilizing the principles for conflict resolution that Jesus taught in Matthew 18. Once approved by the Church Elders, Elders serve a three-year term. Elders are not paid staff; they serve as volunteers. The Church Elders consists of no less than 6 Elders, including the Lead Pastor who provides a key link between the Church Elders and the staff. Each member of the Church Elders has equal voice to the system of consensual agreement on the team.

: : WHAT DO THE CHURCH ELDERS DO? : :

The tasks and responsibilities of the Church Elders vary greatly and require discernment as they strive to keep the church on its biblical course. The Church Elders tackle key issues facing the church. These include:

• Determining the overall vision and future direction of the church.
• Creating policies to define clearly church values and biblical operating procedures.
• Ensuring the church’s teachings and practices reflect accurate biblical theology.
• Providing avenues for pastoral care, conflict resolution, discipline, and restoration.
• Providing direction on financial or risk-management issues.
• Providing accountability to the Lead Pastor, to ensure the vision and values determined by the Church Elders are being carried out.

: : STATEMENT OF FAITH AND BYLAWS : :

The Church Bylaws provide detailed information about how this system of church leadership functions. The Statement of Faith provides the Biblical references that are the basis for this leadership model as well as several other key beliefs that are the basis for teaching and preaching at Carpenter’s Way.