Acts 20:17,18, 28 “Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived he said to them…guard yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers . Be pastors of the church of God .”

Elder – Presbuteros – a role of spiritual maturity
Overseer/Bishop – Episcopos – a managing role
Pastors/Shepherd – Poimen – a caring role

Responsibilities of an elder:                                                      

Authenticity: Model a Christian lifestyle so that the truth of Christ will remain credible to both the congregation and the community.

Team unity: A spirit of unity is a critical factor in the operation of the team and the church. That unity comes from a dependency by each Elder on the Holy Spirit for direction. Mutually supportive relationships and confidentiality of Elder discussions are necessary and a divisive spirit cannot be tolerated.

Managing
Clarifying and casting the vision: Continually seeking God's heart and His vision for the church and seeking to discern the next steps He has for us to take.

Overseeing the mission: Staying in touch with the overall direction of the church and her ministries to ensure we are moving toward the vision God has given us and keeping in balance the purposes for the church.

Developing policies: Set in place policies that serve to guide the overall life and ministry of the church and her operations.
Modeling: Through example in both spirit and action, live out the mission and vision before the congregation.

Financial Management: The Finance Ministry Team manages the financial administration of the church under the oversight of the Elders. A member of the Elder team will serve on the FMT. The Elders have the final approval of the budget but do not involve themselves in the day-to-day operations and administration of the church.

Caring
Guarding doctrine: insuring that the church remains on a true course biblically through accurate and insightful biblical teaching, program awareness, protecting against harmful influences, and confronting those who are contradicting biblical truth.

Protecting unity: lovingly and courageously confronting those with a spirit of divisiveness, those continuing in patterns of sinful behavior, and closing potential doors for the enemy's foothold in the church . When necessary, willingly taking the steps of confrontation prescribed for us in Matthew 18.

Shepherding: insuring the spiritual care and physical well being of the congregation and being available to pray for the sick.

Teaching: being available to teach in areas of giftedness whether through small groups, adult Bible classes, or one-on-one mentoring and counseling.

Encouraging: members to be faithful in their walk with Christ and to their commitment to their local church family.

Abundant Life Elders                                                                 

  Mailan Crist

  Dr. Bruce Douglas

  Gary Long

  TJ Johnson

  Dr. George Powell

  Dr. John Thickins