Affirmation Vote for Elders
During this time, “members in good standing” will have an opportunity to vote for nine elders. Six men are new elders, and three are current elders who will be affirmed for another three-year term.
Members eligible to vote must be active members in good standing (attending worship services, serving in a ministry and tithing regularly at Willingdon or Austin Heights) for at least the past two years. They have confirmed and followed the Membership Covenant as listed below.
MEMBERSHIP COVENANT
1. I Will Protect the Unity of My Church
…by acting in love toward other members.
…by refusing to gossip.
…by following the leadership and direction of the Elders and others responsible for my spiritual care.
…by agreeing to live by the spirit and direction of the “Restoring One Another in Love” paper.
2. I Will Support the Community Life of My Church
…by attending faithfully.
…by living a godly life.
…by giving regularly.
3. I Will Share the Responsibility of My Church
…by praying for its spiritual growth.
…by inviting the unchurched to attend.
…by warmly welcoming those who visit.
…by speaking to unbelievers about Jesus Christ.
…by participating in a Small Group.
4. I Will Serve the Ministry of My Church
…by discovering and using my gifts and talents.
…by being equipped to serve.
…by developing a servant’s lifestyle
Willingdon Elder Qualifications
Willingdon Church follows the biblical qualifications from 1 Timothy 3 for elders and seeks men with the following qualifications to serve as elders:
- Above reproach
- Husband of one wife
- Sober-minded
- Self-controlled
- Respectable
- Hospitable
- Able to teach
- Not a drunkard
- Not violent but gentle
- Not quarrelsome
- Not a lover of money
- Manage his household well
- Not be a recent convert
- Well thought of by outsiders
In addition to the biblical qualifications, elders must also follow the membership covenant and have ministry leadership as listed below:
- Attends service regularly
- Volunteers in a ministry
- Is a proven ministry leader (Life Group, Discovery, Leader in a ministry area)
- Regular tithing
- Biblical literacy
- Shepherd’s heart
- Humble servant leader