leadership at cosham baptist

Leadership at Cosham Baptist

Where does authority lie within a Baptist Church? It is given by God to the membership. The membership then gives authority and responsibility to Deacons and Pastors, who together form the Leadership of the church.

Reflection and discussion within the leadership led us to consider the introduction of Elders as a part of the leadership team. This was discussed by the membership at Church Vision Meetings, and was agreed by vote at the Church Vision Meeting on 29 September 2024.

Focus of Deacons and Elders

Deacons have responsibility to enable the Church to function effectively, legally and safely
Elders along with pastor(s) have responsibility for health, direction and growth of the Church

The Leadership (Pastors, Elders and Deacons) agree on the vision of the Church and the necessary items to focus on over the next term (90-120 days). It would then be agreed which group (Deacons or Elders) takes a lead on each vision focus.

This would not be the only things they discuss, with each group having general or immediate items to also consider. But it would ensure that the two teams are working together and in the same direction.

The two teams would share minutes and thoughts with one another so there is no confusion or misunderstanding
The Pastor(s) would be a part of both teams
Both teams would aim to meet once a term and on occasions to pray together

Character and Calling for Deacons and Elders

1 Timothy 3:1-6 Acts 20:28 James 5:14 Galatians 6:1 Titus 1:5-8 1 Peter 5:1-4

Leaders (Deacons and Elders) should as far as possible be role models in all they do, living out Christian principles and the values of Cosham Baptist on a daily basis

Should be a mature, spirit filled Christian who is of good standing both in the church and the community
Should practice the self-discipline of regular prayer, Bible study and reflection
Have a desire to shepherd and care for God’s people
Have good inter-personal skills
Have a desire for others to know Christ
Be a member of Cosham Baptist whose character and capabilities have been proven within the fellowship for a minimum of one year
Be a regular attender of Church services and prayer meetings, attend a Life group and support Church events when at all possible
Already have or be prepared to find a spiritual mentor in order to help on-going spiritual development

Elders should also

Be able to teach and lead
Be prepared to participate in an annual development and wellbeing review

All Leaders will automatically be appointed Charity Trustees

Roles and responsibilities of Deacons

Use God given gifts for the edification of the church
Alongside the Minister and Elders devote time to prayer in order to seek God’s direction for Cosham Baptist
Oversee a Ministry Area or Lead a Ministry Team
In the context of their Ministry Area or Team help others to explore and identify their God given strengths and giftings and encourage them to use these to the glory of God
Be passionate about reaching the lost and work with the fellowship to reach out and minister to non-Christians
Seek to always support one another
Be accountable to other members of the leadership team

Details of appointment – Deacons

Members can suggest other members to be Deacons
Assessed on a case-by-case basis by Leadership, using ‘Character and Calling’ criteria
Voted on by Church – secret ballot 60% required
Maximum of 12 Deacons (including the office holders of Treasurer and Secretary)
Treasurer and Secretary to also be proposed and voted on in similar way to Deacons
All Deacons are Charity Trustees
A term is 3 years; Deacons can be nominated for re-election after each term served
Deacons Meetings occur each month (apart from August) typically on a Tuesday evening, to run through an agenda which aims to cover focus Ministry areas of Church life
Deacons are also encouraged to meet once a month on a Saturday morning for prayer and fellowship. Once a term this will be a Saturday morning prayer and breakfast together
Once a term the Tuesday meeting will be a joint meeting of Deacons and Elders

Roles and responsibilities of Elders

Elders hold ultimate responsibility for the health and growth of the church
Use God given gifts within the eldership and church fellowship ** see end
Help others to explore and identify their God given strengths and gifting and encourage them to use these to the glory of God
Devote time to shepherd and pastor those in our care
Devote time to prayer in order to seek God’s direction for Cosham Baptist
Work with the pastors and other elders to seek, implement and oversee the vision and mission of Cosham Baptist that we agree God has called us to
Ensure ongoing delivery of the vision and mission of Cosham Baptist with other leaders in the church
Identify, plan and help execute teaching programmes within the church and Life-group setting
Implement ongoing review of strategy and vision with other leaders of the church
Weigh and test corporate prophecy within the fellowship
Be passionate about reaching the lost and work with the fellowship to reach out and minister to non-Christians
Confront false preaching and teaching behaviour that are contrary to Biblical principles
Provide pastoral oversight for significant pastoral issues. Support access for appropriate professional help if required
Seek to restore harmony between groups or individuals if necessary in line with Biblical teaching
Seek to restore erring members and oversee any process of Church discipline that might be required
Seek to support the minister and other elders at all times

** The Elders should ideally have a balance of the 5 fold ministry as in Ephesians ch.4.

Apostles. Prophets. Evangelists. Pastors. Teaching.

** The Elders team also should ideally have a mix of spiritual gifts that include;

Wisdom. Discernment. Shepherding. Encouragement. Teaching

Details of appointment – Elders

Members can suggest members to be Elders
Recommended by Leadership – having looked at character and calling.
Voted on by Church – secret ballot 60% required
Maximum of 6 Elders
4 year terms – initial terms will be varied so all do not end at same time
Maximum of two terms before break of 1 year minimum
All Elders are Charity Trustees
People can be suggested and begin an apprentice path to see if leadership is suitable
Elders meet monthly
Once a term there will be a joint meeting of Deacons and Elders.

Details of appointment – Both Deacons and Elders

Deacons and Elders are required to complete the Church’s safeguarding process, including application, 2 references, DBS check and Level 2 & 3 training
Deacons and Elders are Charity Trustees and are required to complete a declaration of eligibility form which asks each nominee to confirm they have no unspent convictions such as terrorist offences, money laundering, bribery, have not been removed as a trustee due to misconduct or mismanagement, undischarged bankruptcy or on the Insolvency Service Register. Click here for the full list of disqualifications

leadership at cosham baptist