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The Biblical Example
"...if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it." - Titus 1:6-9
"Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He mustnot be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil." - 1 Timothy 3:2-7
"Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He mustnot be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil." - 1 Timothy 3:2-7
LCC’s Expectations
Worship
Regular participation in the corporate worship is a symptom of this pursuit, but not as a legal rule. How they seek the Lord privately, through the Word and in prayer is a huge indicator of the man's life as a worshiper.
Community
An elder is an individual who is actively engaged in pastoring community at LCC. At LCC, this is best demonstrated as a leader in a Home Group or Ministry Team (such as a Youth Leader, Men's Ministry, etc.). Each elder should have a small "flock" of the larger body of believers at LCC to which he is the primary shepherd.
Service
"Selfless Servant" ought to describe the elder. Using the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit is a quality found in the elder. An elder should have some mix of leadership, encouragement, hospitality, discernment, and pastoral insight in order to serve in this role.
Generosity
Without using the OT Law requiring 10% tithe, an elder should be a sacrificial giver. They should be committed to living an open-handed lifestyle generated by a perspective that their time, talents and treasures are on loan from God and are meant for Kingdom purpose.
Home Life
An elder ought to first model a servant attitude in his home. While this never guarantees a problem free home life, the elder is called to "love his wife as Christ loved the Church,” to "not exasperate his kids," etc. As an elder lives this out, he must never walk this as a lone ranger and needs other men alongside for prayer and encouragement.
Regular participation in the corporate worship is a symptom of this pursuit, but not as a legal rule. How they seek the Lord privately, through the Word and in prayer is a huge indicator of the man's life as a worshiper.
Community
An elder is an individual who is actively engaged in pastoring community at LCC. At LCC, this is best demonstrated as a leader in a Home Group or Ministry Team (such as a Youth Leader, Men's Ministry, etc.). Each elder should have a small "flock" of the larger body of believers at LCC to which he is the primary shepherd.
Service
"Selfless Servant" ought to describe the elder. Using the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit is a quality found in the elder. An elder should have some mix of leadership, encouragement, hospitality, discernment, and pastoral insight in order to serve in this role.
Generosity
Without using the OT Law requiring 10% tithe, an elder should be a sacrificial giver. They should be committed to living an open-handed lifestyle generated by a perspective that their time, talents and treasures are on loan from God and are meant for Kingdom purpose.
Home Life
An elder ought to first model a servant attitude in his home. While this never guarantees a problem free home life, the elder is called to "love his wife as Christ loved the Church,” to "not exasperate his kids," etc. As an elder lives this out, he must never walk this as a lone ranger and needs other men alongside for prayer and encouragement.