elder conversation
If you missed the Elder Conversation on Sunday, July 26, watch and read about updates from Pastors Mike, Daniel, and Paul below!
ELDER LEADERSHIP
TCBC is led by Elders / Pastors under the Lordship of Jesus according to the Scriptures.
1 Peter 5:1–4 [1] So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: [2] shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; [3] not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. [4] And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
What is an Elder / Pastor?
An Elder or Pastor (sometimes known as bishop or overseer) is a man biblically qualified (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1) and equipped by God to lead the church through the proclamation of God’s Word (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:9). The Bible places the responsibility of local church oversight / leadership on this office (1 Timothy 5:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
1 Timothy 3:1–7 [1] The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. [2] Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, [3] not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. [4] He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, [5] for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? [6] He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. [7] Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
Why does TCBC have Elders / Pastors?
The New Testament holds up elder leadership in the local church (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5). The New Testament describes a plurality of elders (Titus 1:5, 1 Peter 5:1, 1 Timothy 5:17, Acts 14:23, 20:17). Elders are set apart by God to oversee the church and will give an account to God for their leadership.
Elders lead through prayer.
James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Elders lead through proclamation.
Titus 1:9 … [The Overseer must] be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Acts 6:2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.
Elders lead through plurality.
1 Peter 5:1-4 1 [1] So I exhort the elders among you…
Acts 20:17 … and called the elders of the church to come to him.
Elders will give an account for their service.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
TCBC Elders / Pastors
TCBC Elders / Pastors serve in different capacities. TCBC Elders who serve on the Elder Oversight Team provide leadership for the church. TCBC Elders who serve specific ministries provide leadership for areas within the church under the direction of the Elder Oversight Team. Some of TCBC’s Elders are vocational (paid through the church) and some are lay Elders (unpaid). While there are leaders among equals according to giftedness and role, each individual Elder submits to the plurality of the Elder Oversight Team in the same way as each member of the church. The Elder Oversight Team does not vote, but through prayer they seek and act in consensus.
At this time, we are seeking the church’s affirmation in appointing Jordan Pate to the Elder Oversight Team. Jordan’s role will be an unpaid, lay elder who primarily serves on the Elder Oversight Team. Strategically, we believe there is benefit in having qualified lay elders on the Elder Oversight Team. If affirmed, Jordan will join David Brewer and Larry Durham as lay elders serving on the team. After months of prayer and interviews, the current Elders are aligned that not only is Jordan qualified, he also has unique giftings that will complement our current team well.
As is our norm, before we affirm someone to the office of elder, we want to hear from the church. Jordan has been faithfully serving at TCBC for 7 years. Many know him and his family well. As you consider Jordan for this role, do you have any concerns, questions, or points of affirmation? If so, we want to hear them. You can talk to any of our current elders or email us at elders@tcbchurch.org.
Beyond potential input, we are asking everyone to pray for Jordan and us as we seek to faithfully oversee TCBC under the Lordship of Jesus. One of the great blessings given and sustained by the Lord is the tenure, stability, and faithfulness of the Elder Oversight Team. All praise and glory be to Jesus. Pray we are faithful to steward what has been entrusted to us.
If you don’t know Jordan, take a minute to watch this short introduction video and learn how you can begin to pray for him.
RENOVATION UPDATE
Our plans to renovate our main auditorium continue to progress, proving more and more to be an advantageous remodel. In addition to adding significant seating capacity, the renovation will make the room more multifunctional, better serving our growing needs, especially on Wednesdays. The major aspects of the renovation include leveling the floor to maximize space and functionality, replacing worn flooring and seating, and replacing and updating necessary audio / video components. All expenses will be paid without the use of a loan. TCBC is blessed to be debt free.
The renovations will take roughly one month and obviously impact our normal services and programs during this time, but the impact should be small. Please note the adjusted schedule below, mark your calendars, and be extra diligent to engage with TCBC communications throughout the renovation.
Adjusted Renovation Schedule:
Sunday 9/27
- Campus Work Day: Following the 11:00 Gathering to prepare the room for demo and renovations.
Wednesday 9/30
- Normal Wed. Programming
Sunday 10/4
- 9:30 a.m. Worldview Forum & Special Programming for Preschool, Kids, & Students
- 11:00 a.m. Outdoor Gathering
Wednesday 10/7
- Normal Wednesday Programming
Sunday 10/11 until End of Renovations
- 9:30 & 11:00 Gatherings – Downstairs
- Normal Preschool
- No Kids, Student, or Adult Groups
Wednesday 10/14 until End of Renovations
- Normal Family Programming (Preschool in PS Hall, Kids in Gym, Students in Outpost)
- Special Study for TCBC Adults: “Promises” – Downstairs
- No Equip or BTM
- Normal DTC