Eldership – God's Government for the Local Church 

The office of the elder and deacon are the only offices referenced in the Bible for local church government. Traditions, preconceptions and prejudices and even abuse have influenced most of the church away from this biblical model. We need honesty and courage to come back to the reality of this biblical model functioning correctly in local church government.

The bible uses 3 words interchangeably to refer to function of the one and same person:
 

"Presbuteros" – Elder (executes God’s justice and government and administrates the affairs of the church.
"Episcopos" – Overseer or bishop (oversees, a guardian, gatekeeper or watchman).
"Poimain" – Shepherd or pastor (shepherd the flock, nurture and care for the flock, feed the flock).

Why three different words for the same person?

1. The Qualification-is to be an elder (the office)
2. The Spiritual Ministry-is that of a shepherd (feed)
3. The Work that has to be done-is overseeing (oversee)

Elders oversee every aspect of church life (1 Timothy 5:17), are mutually accountable and are led by a visionary or lead elder. In the scriptures when elders are mentioned it is always in the context of plurality or multiple elders. This makes the key issue team. We believe the pattern for true biblical eldership is plurality or team, which places the oversight of the church on the multifaceted gifts and anointing of the elders on the team rather than a "few" or even "one" individual.

The local eldership team at ECC is also accountable to an apostolic/prophetic team (NCMI in this case for ECC), which is an invited authority. East Coast Church remains autonomous as a local church, but willingly pursues this relationship with NCMI as a way of strengthening, encouragment and accountability.

Elders lead from the front, (by example not by committee), like the biblical example of a shepherd, not from behind (chasing or scaring the sheep forward). Jesus, as he is called the great shepherd in scripture, sets the example for elders to follow. Care, compassion and love for the flock of God are to be the marks of an elders life. Without this it will be impossible for an elder to function in this God given calling.  Certainly, to aspire to be an elder in the local church as a way to gain respect, honor or a platform for a gift is a wrong motive and will only damage the credibility of what it means to function in true New Testament eldership.

At East Coast Church we do not stress titles, but  rather the function of the calling. See Rom. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:1. It is obvious from these passages that the function of Apostle or servant was placed ahead of the title of the office. The same is true of elders. The title of elder, does not come before the function.

Approachability and transparency on the part of the eldership team is essential and expected. The elders are not placed on a pedestal, they are fallible.

Elders are to GOVERN, GUARD, and GUIDE the people of God. See Titus 1:5,7; 1 Pet. 2:25; 1 Pet. 5:1,2.

What to expect from the elders:
They will minister to your spiritual needs, providing spiritual food.
They will shepherd you, making you feel secure as you get relationally and functionally integrated into the life of the church.
Lead you in the will of God, guiding you spiritually. Nothing mystical or in addition to the Bible. Note: The elder’s responsibility is not to hear from God for you, but to help you with the process of hearing.
Cover and protect you spiritually by praying for you.
Stand by you in difficult times, and build you up when you have failed and are discouraged.
Lovingly confront and discipline you when you are off track. This will never turn into manipulation and is best when invited.
Work with you in moving into the calling God has for your life.

What can the elders expect from you:
To accept their leadership, oversight and authority in the Lord.
Be loyal to the vision and values of that church. (If you have a problem, go to the leadership first and don't spread a bad attitude).
To be loyal (committed to the meetings and gatherings).
Become an integrated and functioning part of East Coast Church.
Financially support the church.
Live out what God expects from you.