OFFICER NOMINATIONS

 

ELDERS & DEACONS

In our church tradition, two teams of lay (or volunteer) people work together with our ministers and staff to lead Jesus’ church: elders and deacons. Together, these two boards form our Consistory, which governs our church. From now through Easter Sunday, April 20th, we'll be receiving nominations for these offices at Liberti Main Line.

The list of nominees will be overseen by our Elder Board, who will prepare a single slate of elder and deacon nominees to the congregation for election at a congregational meeting later this Spring (2025). The Elder Board will seek to bring for election candidates that are qualified in terms of character and alignment (both theological and missional) with Liberti Main Line’s beliefs and that represent the diversity of our congregation. (See our current Consistory members here.)

The Consistory––elders and deacons together––are entrusted to faithfully and fruitfully continue the mission of Liberti Main Line and to protect and promote its vision.  There are also particular functions related to each office:

Elders serve by leading… 

  • The elders are the team of ordained lay people who work directly with senior staff to oversee the administration of the Word and sacraments at Liberti Main Line

  • Elders maintain the church membership roll and are responsible for the pastoral/spiritual care of the congregation

Deacons lead by serving…

  • Deacons are the team of ordained lay people who lead the whole church in expressing the care and compassion of Christ to our region and world; they lead the church into service, mercy, and justice both internally and externally

  • Deacons equip the church to serve the social, emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual needs of our region

Click here for a more detailed job description of the Consistory, elders, and deacons from our Book of Church Order.

LEADERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS

Those nominated to serve as elders and deacons at Liberti must meet the following qualifications:

Gospel-shaped spiritual maturity

No Christian is perfect, but the life of an elder or deacon at Liberti should serve as an example for others to follow of mature life in Christ.  Scriptural passages to consider that depict mature Christian life include Matthew 5-7, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Galatians 5:16-26, Philippians 2:1-11, and 1 Timothy 3:1-13.

Practical nomination benchmarks

Someone who is ready to serve as an elder or a deacon at Liberti will meet these practical benchmarks:

  • Be an In-Covenant member at Liberti Main Line.

  • Active participation in a Home Meeting and the community life of the church.

  • Understanding of and agreement with our church’s beliefs.

  • Track record of fruitful service/leadership.

  • Long-term commitment to Liberti Main Line.

  • Track record of regular, generous giving to the church.

  • Enthusiastic support for and promotion of Liberti’s vision and mission.

  • At least 21 years of age

  • Not on full-time staff at the church

  • Not a member of the same household as a full-time staff member of the church

NOMINATION PROCESS

  • Nomination - Open now. Links for the forms are below!

  • Discernment - All nominees will meet personally with the pastor and elders to discern each nominee’s desire, readiness, and qualifications to be ordained to serve.

  • Elder approval & congregational affirmation - Nominees will be approved by the Elder Board and must be affirmed in a vote by the church’s membership.

  • Training - Nominees approved by the Elder Board and affirmed by the church will receive training to grow in understanding Liberti’s beliefs, vision, and mission, and how to serve in their role in the church.

  • Ordination and installation - Nominees completing the training process will be ordained during worship later this year.  (Terms for elder and deacon are three years, which may be extended up to two additional years, for a total of five years.)