1. 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-7

Qualities

3 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 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.

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2. TITUS 1:5-9

Qualities

5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

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3. ACTS 20:28-31

Elders as Shepherds and Overseers

28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

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4. 1 PETER 5:1-4

Elders as Shepherds

5 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.

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5. JAMES 5:14-15

Elders and Prayer

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. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

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6. EPHESIANS 4:11-13

Elders’ Role in Equipping the Church

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

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7. 1 TIMOTHY 5:17-20

Honor and Accountability for Elders

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.

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8. ACTS 14:23

Appointment of Elders:

23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

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9. ACTS 15:1-28

Appointment of Elders:

6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.

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10. HEBREWS 13:17

Responsibility of leaders

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.

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11. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:12-13

Respect of leaders

12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

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WHO CAN BE AN ELDER AT FORUM CHRISTIAN CHURCH?

1. An elder is a man who has been a member for at least one year.
2. An elder called by God who desires to serve and is confirmed by church leaders.
3. After prayerful consideration and preparation, he is introduced to the congregation and affirmed to serve.

WHAT IS ELDERSHIP?

1. Eldership is a group of men chosen to lead, love, and serve the church family.
2. These elders commit to working together to guide the church following the principles outlined in this policy.

PURPOSE AND ROLE

The elders are called to be spiritual shepherds and legal stewards of the church. They guide the church family toward Christ, make prayerful decisions, and ensure the church stays faithful to God’s Word. They also take responsibility for the church’s well-being, including legal matters and practical needs.

Elders lead the church with love, teach and share God’s Word, protect the church from false teaching, care for the sick, pray for and with others, help resolve conflicts, and love the church family as shepherds care for their flock. Their goal is to help every member grow spiritually.

Elders encourage and support the staff as they pursue the church’s mission, maintaining strong relational connections while guiding spiritual growth and ministry initiatives.

They are faithful stewards of the church’s resources, ensuring that all financial and physical resources are managed wisely and with integrity. Elders work as a unified team where every voice matters. No single elder speaks for all, but every elder’s perspective and input is valued in planning and decision-making.

DETAILS

The eldership will include all qualified and affirmed men, and there is no maximum number of members. However, at least four non-staff elders must be present, and the number of non-staff elders must always exceed the number of staff elders.

An elder serves a three-year term and must take at least one year off before being eligible for re-appointment. This cycle can continue until the elder steps down. An elder’s term can end if they resign, are asked to step down, or cannot meet the role’s requirements. The congregation will be informed whenever an elder leaves their role for any reason. Elders can request inactive status if they are temporarily unable to fulfill their duties, such as during a medical recovery.

At the first meeting each year, the elders appoint leaders from current elders whose terms last until the following year.

The Chairman leads all regular, special, and congregational meetings. The Vice-Chairman fills in for the Chairman when absent. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman can serve for a maximum of two years. The secretary keeps minutes for all meetings and shares them with the elders within two weeks. The treasurer(s) helps to oversee the church’s finances and works with the Executive Director and Financial Secretary to provide financial reports to the elders and the congregation at the annual meeting. The Treasurer can be an elder or someone appointed from outside the eldership.

MEETINGS

The eldership seeks consensus in decision-making, but a simple majority is sufficient for all actions, except for the amendment of bylaws or the disciplining of elders, which requires a 3/4th majority. Meetings require a quorum—a majority of elders present—to conduct business. Elders must meet at least six times per year, and meetings can be called at any time by the lead minister or any elder, provided a majority can attend.

The chairman is responsible for setting the agenda and leading meetings. The elders will choose a temporary leader if the chairman or vice chairman is unavailable. Meetings can be held at locations approved by the chairman and elders. Regular meetings do not require advance notice.

When written notice is necessary, it must be given at least four days before the meeting. Notices can be sent by mail or electronic means and are considered given when sent. An elder may waive the notice requirement by signing a waiver before, during, or after the meeting.

Subject to the notice requirements noted above, elders may also hold meetings remotely through electronic communication systems, including video or telephone conferencing.

ONBOARDING

The process for appointing elders begins when any church member suggests a person they believe currently exhibits the character qualifications and serves in a way that reflects the biblical role. The elders then review these nominations, and suitable candidates are invited to an initial interview with at least two elders and the lead minister. This phase is purely for exploration, with no commitments or training involved, to assess the candidate’s character and suitability.

Nominated individuals must affirm the church’s Statement of Faith, agree with its bylaws, and demonstrate a desire to serve in various ministries. They must have been a Forum member for at least one year, have the support of their immediate family, and show leadership experience within Forum or a previous church. These nominated candidates must also fill out the elder questionnaire during this phase.

Those who successfully pass the initial review are invited to enter elder training. During this period, each trainee is paired with a mentor from the current elders for monthly meetings to build relationships and receive coaching. The training includes sessions on Forum’s mission, the role of an elder, governing documents, and other assigned readings. Trainees also attend elder meetings to observe and learn, although they cannot vote.

After the elders determine that the candidate is ready for congregational input, they present the candidate to the congregation for affirmation. Members are given two weeks to raise any scriptural objections in writing or by electronic means provided by the church. The elders investigate any objections and make a final decision on whether to proceed. At any point during the process, either the elder-in-training or the current elders can decide to end the process. New elders are officially installed by the current elders in early January, typically through prayer and the laying on of hands.

DISCIPLINE

Only written, signed accusations against an elder by a member of the congregation will be considered valid for investigation. If an elder’s behavior, finances, or theology raise concerns among at least two other elders, they will notify the elder and, if necessary, the entire eldership to initiate an investigation. A 75% consensus of the elders is required to begin an investigation, and another 75% consensus is necessary to take any disciplinary action after the investigation, including removal or other appropriate steps.

Discipline is warranted if an elder is found guilty of immoral behavior, unethical financial conduct, or holding views that contradict the Forum’s Statement of Faith. The eldership will decide on the appropriate action based on the offense.

OVERVIEW

The lead minister is a primary spiritual leader, guiding the church toward a deeper relationship with Christ through intentional spiritual formation. He works with staff, elders, deacons, and volunteers to equip the congregation for ministry through preaching, teaching, ministry programming, and pastoral care.

The lead minister incorporates his relationship with Jesus into every facet of leadership through prayer, discernment, service, and Christlike humility. This holistic approach fosters continuous spiritual growth, intentional relational investment, and organizational health, nurturing a church culture of authenticity, unity, accountability, and mission-driven clarity. By exemplifying these qualities, the minister encourages the staff and congregation to pursue God’s vision and purpose for the church.

Article 7 of Forum’s bylaws details the interim lead minister, the selection and installation of a new lead minister, and the lead minister’s role as administrative director.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The lead minister must be committed to transparency, integrity, and growth, ensuring their leadership reflects Christ’s example and fosters trust within the church community. They must embrace responsibility to God, the leadership teams, and the congregation in all aspects of ministry. Accountability is practically and measurably expressed as follows:

1. Model Christ-like behavior in personal and public life, maintaining high ethical standards.
2. Provide regular updates on ministry goals, challenges, and progress to the leadership teams and congregation.
3. Undergo annual reviews by department leaders, elder chairman and vice-chair.
4. Work with finance teams to manage resources responsibly and transparently.
5. Actively listen to feedback from leadership teams and church attendees.
6. Pursue ongoing spiritual, theological, and professional growth to serve the church community better.

SUCCESSION PLANNING

Succession planning ensures the church is prepared for leadership transitions by identifying interim solutions and cultivating future leaders. This process is proactive, collaborative, and focused on maintaining continuity in alignment with the church’s mission. Succession planning is practically and measurably expressed as follows:

1. Identify potential interim leadership in case of unexpected resignation or absence, reviewed at the start of each year.
2. Work with staff, department leaders, and elders to develop future leaders for long-term succession.
3. Establish a timeline and process for transitioning the next lead minister if needed.
4. Conduct a yearly review to assess the current lead minister’s desire to continue in their role and the elders’ perspective on the ongoing alignment of leadership with the church’s mission and needs.
5. Upon reaching age 60, and every 1 year thereafter, initiate conversations with the lead minister to begin forecasting plans and succession, ensuring a thoughtful and proactive approach to leadership transitions.

Covenant of Belonging

The concept of church membership, while not explicitly defined by a single verse, is shown throughout the New Testament using metaphors, commands, and practical examples that together describe a committed, interdependent, and accountable community of believers. The foundation of this idea is set in the Old Testament, where God builds His relationship with humanity through a series of binding agreements called covenants. The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of this covenant community in Jesus Christ. The body of Christ, what the New Testament calls the Church, is a tangible, visible expression of this new covenant community on earth.

We believe church membership is an active commitment to a local, interdependent community of believers under the guidance of spiritual leadership. This belonging is demonstrated through regular gathering, participation, and mutual accountability. Practically, it means using the gifts God has given each of us to serve others, becoming a visible expression of His kingdom and family.

Each person of the church is encouraged to believe, confess, repent, and be baptized by immersion, and to live according to the pattern and teachings of Jesus. In our devotion and dedication to following Jesus, we believe and understand that God has given each of us a spiritual gift to serve the needs of our community. Those who desire to enter a covenant of belonging with Forum Christian Church are entering a shared commitment where the church leadership—composed of two interdependent servant leader communities: the elders and the staff—commits to faithfully shepherd this church by providing spiritual care, clear teaching, and a mature model of apprenticeship to follow. We also pledge to serve our church family by meeting practical needs, operating transparently, and offering biblical accountability, creating a supportive community where everyone can thrive.

Biblical Themes of Membership