1. WHY DOES LTCC HAVE AN AFFIRMATION PROCESS?

2. HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?

3. WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE TO AFFIRM LTCC’S LEADERSHIP?

4. HOW CAN I PROVIDE INPUT AND FEEDBACK ON THE PROCESS?

5. WHEN & HOW CAN I VOTE ON WHETHER OUR ELDERS AND DEACONS ARE AFFIRMED?

Our annual affirmation process is a practical way for us at LTCC to remember, recognize, and renew our followership of those God has called to lead.

Regular affirmation of those in leadership can accomplish the following:

1. REINFORCES THAT CHURCH MEMBERS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE OVERALL TESTIMONY OF THEIR FELLOWSHIP.

   Jesus is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18) — our church. As such, through His word He sets our direction and, through His Spirit He exercises His authority. While Jesus is the Ruler of the church, as with any gathered body of people, the church must be led. To that end, the Chief Shepherd, Jesus, has through His inspired word, ordained that His people be led by under-shepherds, referred to in the Scriptures as elders. These elders are to shepherd (or, pastor) the church through exercising oversight over the congregation (1 Peter 5:1-4).

   To assist elders in their responsibilities as shepherds of the flock, Christ also calls men and women to the role of deacon to minister to and care for the flock.

   We believe that Jesus has given each member a role in leading His church — including you as a member of the church. While we believe that elders are accountable to keep watch over the souls of the flock (Hebrews 13:17), and that deacons minister to help meet the practical needs of the flock, we also believe that the flock, the members of a local church, are ultimately accountable for the fruit and faithfulness of the church.
   

2. SAFEGUARDS AGAINST LEADERS WHO GO ASTRAY IN DOCTRINE OR LIFE.

   Those who lead the local church derive their authority both from Jesus Christ (who alone governs His church) and from the congregation (which holds both elders and deacons accountable for their actions). The congregation recognizes those God has raised up to lead and serve the church, while elders and deacons honor the congregation by stewarding the leadership with trust and faithful integrity.
   

3. STRENGTHENS CHURCH GOVERNANCE THROUGH THE CONSENT OF THOSE GOVERNED

   Concerning elders, the local body of Christ is encouraged to recognize those who are over them in the Lord and to esteem them highly (1 Thessalonians. 5:12-13). Those who “direct the affairs of the church well” are worthy of honor and especially those whose primary work is preaching and teaching (1 Timothy 5:17). Christians are to “remember their leaders” and submit to their leadership (Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17). Concerning deacons, the model of Acts 6 indicates those who served the church were recognized by the whole gathering as those among them who were “known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3-5).
   

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The congregation is formally asked to prayerfully prepare to affirm those currently in leadership, as well as affirm any new leaders recommended to serve as elders or as deacons on the Church Council.

As part of preparing for the affirmation vote at the annual members meeting in January, or special members meeting called throughout the year, we ask that any concerns about those in leadership, or recommended for leadership, be addressed prior to that meeting.

In the spirit of Matthew 18:15-16, if there is a concern with an elder, a deacon, or a recommended new leader, we encourage you to directly address the concern in a spirit of love and openness.

• If possible, speak personally to the individual.

• If you are uncomfortable with a direct discussion or uncertain how to proceed, you could:

  • Reach out to one of the elders or deacons with your concern.

  • Ask a trusted member of the church to accompany you in a direct conversation

  • Write a letter summarizing your concerns and either read it to the individual or send it to them.

In the spirit of 1 Timothy 5:19-20, all concerns regarding a church leader will be taken seriously and appropriately investigated.

The primary purpose of the affirmation process is to thoughtfully, prayerfully, and intentionally affirm those the congregation believes God has called to lead and serve the flock at LTCC. Your feedback is welcome as to how to make our affirmation process more effective.

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Although it is those who are formal members who will be asked to vote, whether you have formally committed to the LTCC church family through our membership covenant, or you simply care for LTCC because you consider it your spiritual home, we encourage you to Learn, Pray, and Engage.

LEARN

• LEARN ABOUT OUR CHURCH STRUCTURE

  • Read for yourself what your Bible says about church leadership?

    • ELDERS: Acts 14:21-23; Acts 20:17-31; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Timothy 5:17-19; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:7; Hebrews 13:17; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1-5

    • DEACONS: Acts 6:1-6; Romans 16:1-2; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13
      

  • Check out these short videos concerning Elders and Deacons:

• Read more about church members and their leaders:

  • A Mark of a Healthy Church Member: Follows Leadership — 9Marks

  • What is the Relationship Between the Elders and the Church — 9Marks

  • Church Members Must Keep an Eye on Their Elders — The Gospel Coalition

  • Deacons — The Gospel Coalition

  • The Blessing of Good Elders — Written for Our Instruction
    

• LEARN ABOUT OUR CHURCH

  • LTCC’s Core Values

  • LTCC’s Constitution

  • LTCC’s By-Laws

  • LTCC’s Members’ Covenant

PRAY

• For wisdom and discernment;

• For unity within the church as well as open and honest communication;

• For our church and for our leaders.

  • Nine Ways to Pray for Church Leaders - Chuck Lawless
    
    

ENGAGE

• Read about the people who are seeking affirmation:

  • ELDER CANDIDATE BIOGRAPHIES for proposed Elder candidates:

    • Brent Allan

    • Doug Goodwin

    • Kory Queen

    • Matt Moench

    • Mike Tedrow

• Connect with an elder or Church Council member.

  • Ask an elder or deacon to coffee. Ask questions. Give encouragement.

  • In the spirit of Matthew 18:15, contact an elder or deacon in order to resolve any misunderstandings, hurt feelings or conflict you may share. Be a part of building trust and unity by addressing any issues you feel are important for leadership to resolve with you.

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WHEN & HOW CAN I VOTE ON WHETHER OUR ELDERS AND DEACONS ARE AFFIRMED?

Providing a method of voting individually and electronically ahead of the members’ meeting has been very successful and appreciated during previous affirmations. Therefore, we will utilize that method again. (a paper version will be available in the office)

We encourage you to use this time ahead of the members’ meeting to follow the process above. Voting will open March 31st.

Voting closes on april 13th

Everyone is welcome to vote. However, it is the members’ votes that will be tallied and presented at the Members’ Meeting following our church service on April 14th.

Please Click Here to provide us with your feedback on the Affirmation Process.

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