Elders

Elders:
Spiritual leadership for River City Church

Jesus is the head of His Church. At River City Church, our Elders serve as under-shepherds under His authority, providing spiritual oversight, direction, accountability, and care for our church family.

Together, our Elders seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer and Scripture as they help River City remain faithful to its mission and calling.

Our Elders

Jared Davis • Ed New • Steve Surratt • Sean Smith

What Do Our Elders Do?

The role of an Elder is much more than organizational leadership. Elders are called to prayerfully shepherd and care for the church.

At River City Church, our Elders help:

  • Provide spiritual oversight and direction for the church

  • Guard the biblical integrity of our teaching and ministry

  • Pray for and shepherd our church family

  • Provide pastoral care and help facilitate reconciliation and restoration

  • Teach and uphold the Word of God

  • Support and encourage our Lead Pastor, staff, and their families

  • Provide accountability for the church's leadership

  • Affirm the annual budget and provide oversight in significant financial and organizational decisions

  • Seek God's direction for the future of River City Church

Above all, our Elders desire to lead in a way that reflects the character and servant leadership of Jesus.

Biblical Eldership

We believe the New Testament establishes a pattern of a plurality of Elders providing leadership and spiritual oversight within the local church.

Those who serve as Elders must meet the biblical qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9 and demonstrate mature faith, godly character, sound judgment, and an ability to faithfully shepherd God's people.

Additional passages that help shape our understanding of eldership include 1 Peter 5:1–4, Acts 20:17–35, and James 5:14.

How Are Elders Selected?

Potential Elders are selected by the current Elder Board and enter a prayerful process of screening, conversation, and discernment.

Candidates must meet the biblical qualifications for eldership, embody the mission, vision, and values of River City Church, and demonstrate God's gifting and calling for this particular responsibility.

Once approved as a candidate, they are presented to the River City Church family. The congregation then has a 21-day period for prayer and feedback before the process continues.

Candidates also enter a provisional season that provides time for both the existing Elders and the candidate to prayerfully discern the calling before a long-term appointment is made.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Jesus Christ is the head of the Church. Our Elders serve as under-shepherds, seeking His direction through Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

  • The Elders provide spiritual oversight, governance, accountability, and overall direction for River City Church. Our staff and ministry leaders are empowered to carry out that direction and lead the day-to-day ministries of the church under the leadership of our Lead Pastor.

  • Yes. River City Church's Lead Pastor serves as one of the Elders, providing an important connection between the Elder Board and the staff.

  • Our Elders serve as both the spiritual leaders of River City Church and the church's Board of Directors. Among their responsibilities are spiritual oversight, church governance, affirming the annual budget, overseeing significant financial and property decisions, and ensuring that the church remains faithful to its biblical mission and values.

  • Potential Elders are selected by the current Elder Board and go through a prayerful screening and interview process. Candidates are then presented to the church family for a 21-day period of prayer and feedback before moving forward in the process.

  • Elders must meet the biblical qualifications found primarily in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These qualifications emphasize spiritual maturity, character, integrity, leadership within the home, sound doctrine, and the ability to teach and shepherd others.

  • Our bylaws do not establish a fixed term. Elders serve until they feel led to resign, leave River City Church, or are removed from the role.

  • Yes. Elders serve first under the authority of Jesus and Scripture and also operate in mutual accountability with one another. Our Elder Covenant emphasizes humility, healthy relationships, confidentiality, prayer, corporate discernment, and unity.

  • Our Elders are committed to prayerful, collective discernment. Rather than simply relying on a majority vote, they seek unity as they discern God's direction together.

  • Yes. If you have a question, concern, or matter you would like to bring to the Elders, we want there to be a clear way to reach them.

    CONTACT THE ELDERS