What is an Elder?
LCC is led by Elders, also commonly known as Pastors, following a biblical model of church leadership. Often, elders are described as “Shepherds of God’s flock” meaning that every local church has leaders who are accountable to God for the spiritual oversight of His “flock”.
A qualified elder is expected to shepherd members by consistently doing the following:
Teach: An elder must be “an able teacher” (1 Timothy 3:2; see also 1 Timothy 5:17). He must hold “to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and refute those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9). Elders share the Bible formally and informally by leading and participating in small groups and Bible studies, by preaching occasionally, and by spending time with people and sharing from God’s Word appropriately.
Lead: Just as shepherds lead their flocks, so elders lead local congregations. The biblical writers also call elders “overseers,” a title that highlights their role as leaders (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:5, 7). LCC Elders are committed to meet with and to pray for members so that they provide care and leadership for our church. That includes inspiring our members to provide spiritual encouragement to one another and to assist them in bringing back “lost sheep” back into the fold. Hebrews instructs Christians to “obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account” (Hebrews 13:17).
Model: Elders lead by example. Shepherd the church “not [by] lording it over those entrusted to you but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). Not surprisingly, the New Testament lists of elder qualifications focus predominantly on character (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4). An elder’s most basic job is to say, “Imitate me as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). LCC elders must be men who are approachable. The expectation is for God’s sheep to be comfortable with them visiting in one another’s homes. Ministry can’t occur only on Sunday mornings and our elders’ role is to talk to our people and to find places to be with them during the week. Shepherds spend time amongst the flock, not just during emergencies but connect relationally. Discipleship occurs when all of us live out our faith in various relationships within our homes, while participating in fellowships, competitions and community ministry. Watch your elders on mission trips, outreaches, and church fellowships. Their Christian character should be replicable by any of the church’s members.
Pray: The Bible says in Acts 6:4, “but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” LCC Elders are expected to pray regularly for the members and concerns of LCC. Church health and growth are both connected to the prayers of God’s people. Elders are in tune with the Holy Spirit’s activity within the church and community by praying in faith. All challenges and spiritual solutions are obtained by Elders who consistently pray according to God’s will.
Who are our Elders?
Pastors Martin Bennett Jr. and William Christian Jr. are our Elders who give Spiritual oversight to our church by teaching, leading, modeling Christ and praying consistently for our church. Both Elders lead LCC’s Community Groups, which meet regularly in members’ homes for fellowship and discussion around a shared meal so that church members can get to know one another better. They both teach various adult groups and seek opportunities to make and develop disciples.
