Elders
Elder-led
Trinity Fellowship is led by a group of elders
appointed by the board of elders. We recognize God has blessed churches
functioning under other forms of church government, whether
congregational or episcopal or even autocratic. But we believe the
scriptures most clearly support the leadership of the church by elders.
There are no "terms" for elders, although elders can take sabbaticals
when needed or can step off the board when they believe their
effectiveness as an elder has diminished. The pastor serves as an elder
but may not serve as chairman of the elder board. The elders understand
their role as providing spiritual direction for the community and for
providing spiritual care for the community.
In Nov. 2010 the elders approved a change in the process of selecting and providing succession for the role of chairman. As stated in the updated church by-laws (8.b):
The Board of Elders shall choose its own chairman and secretary from among its members, excluding the pastor(s). The Board of Elders shall also choose a vice-chairman from among its members. The chairman shall serve for two years, at which time the vice chair shall assume the roll of chair for the next two years. The Board of Elders shall then elect a new vice chair from the remaining active board members, excluding the most recent chairman. A former chairman is eligible to serve as vice chair again after two years. Other members shall be appointed to serve and/or oversee specific ministries of the church.
Chuck Hendricks is the current chairman and will be followed by vice chairman Ron Turner in Jan. 2013.
