ELDERSHIP
Jake Carver
Lead Teaching Pastor
Tim Carter
Executive Pastor
Roger Austin
Hughesville Campus Pastor
Elders at Cornerstone Baptist Church
The elders at Cornerstone Baptist Church are entrusted with spiritual leadership, administrative oversight, and guiding the church in alignment with its mission and biblical principles. Below is an overview of their appointment, accountability, congregational role, and responsibilities:
Appointment of Elders
- Elders are recommended by the current council of elders after seeking the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
- They are presented to the congregation for election during a special church meeting, which requires a three-fourths affirmative vote of active members present and voting.
- The number of elders is determined by the church membership, and additional elders are added through this election process.
Accountability
- Elders are accountable to the congregation, which holds the final authority in church matters.
- An elder’s tenure may be dissolved by mutual agreement or through a two-thirds vote of the congregation, initiated by the council of elders or the congregation itself.
Role of the Congregation
- The congregation plays a vital role in affirming the elders, approving their recommendations, and participating in key decisions.
- Significant matters, including elder appointments, budget approval, and major property decisions, require congregational votes.
- Elders serve under the authority of the congregation, reflecting a structure that emphasizes both leadership and accountability.
Responsibilities
The elders at Cornerstone Baptist Church play a vital leadership role focused on both spiritual and practical aspects of church governance. Their responsibilities include:
The elders at Cornerstone Baptist Church play a vital leadership role focused on both spiritual and practical aspects of church governance. Their responsibilities include:
- Preaching and Teaching: Elders are responsible for preaching the gospel, teaching the Scriptures, and administering the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
- Vision and Leadership: They articulate the church's vision, train and prepare leaders, and equip members for ministry and evangelism.
- Pastoral Care: Elders provide care for the sick and bereaved, seek to advance the spiritual welfare of the congregation, and guide the church in maintaining unity and discipline.
- Church Discipline: They follow biblical guidelines for addressing disciplinary matters and work toward repentance and reconciliation when necessary.
- Administration: Elders oversee spiritual and temporal church affairs, including approving the church budget, managing programs, and appointing ministry team leaders.
- Governance and Representation: They nominate members for various leadership roles, moderate church meetings, and represent the church in key decisions alongside trustees.
- Accountability and Contribution: Elders model sacrificial service, maintain financial contributions, and ensure church decisions align with its mission and biblical principles.
Their authority is equal among all elders, though individual elders may specialize in certain functions or actions. The group operates under the principle of "first among equals," as outlined in 1 Timothy 5:17. Their work ensures that the church operates effectively and remains rooted in its mission to make Jesus known and transform lives.