How They Function:

Hill Country Bible Church has chosen to be an elder-led church. The elders, as overseers of the local church, are responsible for the spiritual health of the Body. They are to glorify Christ by serving the Body according to the biblical principles of love and care. In practice, the elders establish the guidelines and policies for conducting services, programs, and the general conduct of church business. They are to lead by precept and example, realizing they are accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ for their efforts. (Heb. 13:17; Acts 20:24, 28)

Qualifications

The qualifications for an elder are set forth in the scriptural passages I Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1:1-9, and I Peter 5:1-4. He is to be self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, not a recent convert. He has a good reputation with outsiders, is not overbearing or quick-tempered, loves what is good, is upright, holy, disciplined, above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, respectable, not given to drunkenness, manages his own family well, sees that his children obey him, does not pursue dishonest gain, and keeps hold of deep truths. An elder demonstrates through leadership a commitment to the purposes, vision, and core values of the church.

Selection

Any man who aspires to the office of elder is first approved by a vote of the elders, then by a vote of the membership assembled at a duly-called congregational meeting.

Number and Term

There will be a maximum of seven elders at any time. Each man will serve for a three-year term. Under unusual circumstances, the Elder Board may extend an elder's term one year by majority vote, not to exceed four consecutive years. Upon conclusion of his term, he must function in a non-elder role for at least one year before becoming eligible for eldership again. A man filling an unexpired term of two years or less may be eligible to waive this one year at the end of his term and serve an additional term subject to the above prescribed selection process. The Senior Pastor serves as a perpetual elder and is one of the seven. The elders shall annually select a chairman to direct elder and congregational meetings. In the absence of the chairman, the elders will select an interim chairman.