Harvest Church: Elder/Pastor Application

INTRODUCTION
The New Testament tells us that it is good to aspire to the role of Elder and gives us clear guidance on the high standards that must be held to if one is to serve with the authority and responsibility of that role. With this in mind, we (the Elders of Harvest Church) have crafted this application as a way to gauge your understanding of God’s Word, your submission to His Spirit, and your commitment to His Community, the Bride of Christ. We know that words on a page are no substitute for a face-to-face conversation, but they do provide you with the chance to articulate your answers to our questions well, and they give us a chance to read those answers prayerfully.

Your name *

Email address *

Qualifications

1. CHARACTER
This is by far the most important category. Scripture is clear that elders are called and appointed based on their character. While all Christians are called to live to high standards of conduct and to demonstrate the new Kingdom, elders the New Testament is positively emphatic about the qualifications for elders. In fact, the New Testament gives more detailed instructions on elders' qualifications than any other aspect of eldership.

To the Lord this is a matter of great importance. God has placed a standard for those in pastoral oversight -- not just anyone can be an elder. While no leader is perfect, elder candidates are to be men who are exemplars of the Christian faith, modelling the character of Jesus Christ – specifically, the character traits found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9:

“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:8-13)

"This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it." (Titus 1:5-9)

2. CONVICTION
Elder candidates are to feel a deep calling and conviction to serve the church in leading the church in the areas of DOCTRINE, DISCIPLINE, DIRECTION and DISCIPLESHIP. This should be readily recognizable by fellow church family. Furthermore, elder candidates are Biblically qualified men who are members of Harvest Church and fully convinced and submissive to the beliefs, statements, vision, values, and practices of Harvest.

3. COMPETENCE
Elder candidates should demonstrate humble and spirit filled leadership and a knowledge of God's Word and ability to teach God's Word. They are to joyfully serve the church body through "prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

Process

1. NOMINATION and APPLICATION
Those aspiring to the role can also fill out the application. The elder candidate will take time to pray and consider the role of Elder before completing an application.

2. CONFIRMATION (by elders)
Applicants will be initially interviewed by our current elders to confirm the calling, character, convictions, and competencies. We also will give time to work through the role in more detail as we cover such topics as the gospel motivation in elder ministry, clear role description, lines of communication and care, and Christ’s kingship in leading.

3. AFFIRMATION (by members)
The names of qualified elder candidates who are confirmed by the elders will be announced on a Sunday and posted in our E-News for a period of 30 days (as per our by-laws). During this period, members are encouraged to speak personally with the elder candidate and/or any of the elders if they are aware of any disqualifying characteristics or interpersonal issues needing resolution.

4. INSTALLATION
After 30 days elders will introduce the elder on a Sunday morning, lay hands, pray and charge them and the congregation to the call.

Serving Team

Elders will serve a term of three years and be eligible for an additional term before requiring a year off.

The ministry of the elder is not easy as it requires tremendous discernment, prayer, and energy. Truly it is a call to serve as an elder -- a call from God, who will supply the strength and grace required in this work. Our hope is that elders will serve two terms, as the Lord allows, to not only shepherd the church but also raise up more elders and multiply the work of the ministry for years to come.

Phone number *

Personal Walk, Marriage and Family

A note about confidentiality and the nature of these questions:

The biblical qualifications have a lot to say about the character of a man’s marriage and family. These
questions are designed to give us a full picture as we prayerfully consider you as an Elder/Pastor. We are
aware that the following questions are personal and very sensitive. Jesus is in the business of redeeming
sinners and changing lives, so we do not expect any person's past to be perfectly “clean”. Rather, our
concern is with unresolved issues from the past, or current matters. These issues are sensitive precisely
because, unless properly dealt with, they have the power to undermine and destroy you even as you seek
to become an Elder/Pastor. Therefore, we ask these questions both for your protection and ours as a
church, but especially for those among you to whom you intend to minister. Your answers on this form
will only be read by the Elders of Harvest Church. You will be consulted in the event that there is a
need for further clarification. We appreciate your honesty as you and your spouse (if married) answer
these questions.

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS AS YOU APPROACH THIS EXTENSIVE APPLICATION

● Be very honest. Be careful not to understate or overstate something to either downplay an issue or impress.

● When it comes to theology, express your current understanding of things and not what you believe the correct answer is. For example, if you are asked "What is your view of Eschatology?" And you think, "I don't even know what that word means." Just say that. If you are a little fuzzy on the finer points of the order of Salvation, be honest about that. The goal here is for the current elders to assess where you may be weak and work with you over the next months to address those areas of weakness (whether they are spiritual, theological, pastoral or emotional weaknesses). We can only do that if we know the areas where you are lacking right now.

● If you get stuck on a question, answer it briefly. At the end of the day, a short honest answer is better than a long, rambling answer that doesn’t answer the question.

● Remember that the people reading your answers are your pastors and your friends. We love you and care for you. We are not out to trick you, or trip you up. We want to shepherd you and lead you from one stage of leadership to another. Keep that in the back of your mind as you answer these questions.

● Leave the window open until you click 'submit,' otherwise answers will be lost.

REFERENCE FORMS
Before you get started on your application, please take a minute to send the names and email addresses of three people that you would like to fill out a reference for you to val@myharvestchurch.ca. We will email them a form to fill out. Please do not ask pastors or staff at Harvest to fill out your recommendation as we can get their input as needed.

Have you read over the qualifications in Titus 1:5-9, 1 Tim. 3:1-7? Also, have you done any other reading about the role of an elder (Gospel Eldership by Thune, Biblical Eldership by Strauch, or others)? *

How long have you been a part of Harvest Church? *

Tell us about your journey into salvation with Jesus and roughly when that took place. Include how the Lord has changed your life. *

What churches have you been previously been involved? *

Describe your practice of the following spiritual discipline: Prayer *

Describe your practice of the following spiritual discipline: Fasting *

Describe your practice of the following spiritual discipline: Bible Study *

Describe your practice of the following spiritual discipline: Worship *

Describe your practice of the following spiritual discipline: Serving *

Describe your practice of the following spiritual discipline: Generosity *

Describe your practice of the following spiritual discipline: Hospitality *

Describe your practice of the following spiritual discipline: Disciple Making *

Who do you have in your life that tells you the truth even when it is difficult to hear? How do you respond to them? *

Where are you finding opportunities to interact with and develop relationships with non-believers? *

Tell us about your call into ministry and Eldership and why you desire the role of elder? *

Where are you currently serving and leading? *

Explain the vision of Harvest Church as you understand it? Do you find yourself at odds with any aspect or practice of that vision? *

What do you think Harvest is doing really well? Where do you think Harvest really needs to improve? *

Are there any relationships in your life in which you are not living in obedience to Romans 12:18? Should you be nominated as an elder, are you aware of any members of the church who would oppose or challenge your candidacy? *

If so, please briefly and discreetly explain the situation and what efforts have been taken to reconcile these differences.

Have you ever been removed from leadership at Harvest or another church? If so, please explain. *

Do you have any health concerns that could prevent you from serving faithfully as an Elder at Harvest Church? If so, please explain. *

What is your position on biblical stewardship and how is this position consistent with the current state of your personal finances (giving, saving, paying down debt)? *

In regard to personal holiness, have you acted inappropriately with a female or intentionally accessed sexually explicit material of any kind in the last twelve months? What precautions do you have in place to guard your heart in these ways? *

Describe your marital status (married, single, widowed, divorced)and history. *

If married, can you tell us the condition and quality of your relationship with your wife at the present time? If divorced, please explain the situation and what has happened since the divorce.

Describe a time of conflict where the demands of work or ministry put a strain on your marriage, and how you resolved that issue? *

How do you ensure strength and growth in your marriage?

If you have children, describe your relationship with your children and their relationship with the Lord. If your children still live at home, what is your role in discipling your children?

Is there anything else about you, your marriage or your family that you believe we should know as we enter this process with you? *

Have you told the truth in all of the above statements? *

Theology and Biblical Understanding

Who have been your primary theological influences? In other words what authors, theologians (living or dead), movements, denominations, preachers, etc. have most influenced your theology and biblical understanding? *

Outside of the Bible, what are some of the more theologically intensive books you have read? *

Please give your view of the scriptures (theologically speaking)? *

How do you approach Evangelism and Missional Living? *

In your own words, how do you understand the doctrine of salvation? Please include within your answer: 1) God’s sovereignty vs. man’s responsibility; 2) your understanding of free will; 3) your understanding of the order of salvation. *

What is your view of Creation and how mankind came to be? *

What is the church and its role today? *

What do you see as the greatest need in the local church? How would you like to see this need addressed? *

What is your view and practice with regard to baptism? *

What is your view and practice with regard to communion? *

What is your view of church discipline? *

What is your view of giving in the church (tithes and offerings)? *

Outline your understanding of the Biblical teaching on manhood and womanhood and how it relates to marriage and to church leadership. *

What is your view of marriage and sexuality? (We are looking for your view on things like same-sex marriage and sexual conduct). *

What is your view of divorce and remarriage? *

What is your theology of the Holy Spirit and specifically what are most commonly referred to as the“sign gifts”? *

Please describe the gifts of the Holy Spirit that you believe you have. *

Describe your view of local church government, including the offices, who can/should hold them, and who has final authority for decision making? Talk here about your view of Deacons and Elders. *

What is your eschatological position (your view of the end times)? *

Do you affirm without reservation the Doctrine Statement of Harvest Muskoka? Or, are there any disagreements you have with it, or any uncertainty or reservation about some doctrines because you have not yet studied them fully? If so, please explain. *

What are your pet-doctrines, those areas of theology that you just love to study and talk about? *

Practical / Pastoral Theology

What is the difference between biblical convictions and personal preferences? How do you see this distinction affecting the office of an elder? *

Explain the importance of small group ministry in your own life and its importance in the local church. *

How would you respond pastorally to a couple at church that had just miscarried 9 weeks into pregnancy? What scriptures would you take them to? *

A member is having coffee with you at Tim Horton’s and they are struggling with the doctrine of the Trinity. Please explain how you would pastorally go about talking to this person about the Trinity. *

A college kid brings a couple of friends to talk to you about who Jesus is. They want biblical answers about who Jesus is and what he did. How would you talk with these seekers of truth about Jesus Christ and his works? *

You are counselling a couple that claim to be Christians, and they are sexually active but not married.They believe they are “married in their hearts”. They would like to become Members at Harvest Church. *

Describe how you would handle this couple, including how you would address the issue of being “married in their hearts”?

You are praying with some people after a weekend gathering and a young man says that he would like you to pray for him in regards to an addiction to pornography. What would you do and how would you quickly counsel this man? *

A group of people are talking in the lobby and they invite you to answer a question they have been trying to figure out. The question they are trying to answer is: *

What role does prayer have in the Christian life if we preach the sovereignty of God at Harvest? What would be your answer for them?

After church one day you are approached by a member of our church who has a broken heart from being convicted of their sin. How would you counsel them? *

A student in the church tells you that she has discovered that her dad is having an affair. It is a key family in the church. What course of action would you take? *

Questions for your Wife

Tell us about your journey into salvation. *

What spiritual gifts do you believe you have? *

How do you currently serve or lead in the church? *

Explain the vision of Harvest Church as you understand it? Do you find yourself at odds with any aspect or practice of that vision? *

Do you hold any views or positions that you think may be at odds with the general views of those in leadership at Harvest? *

Do you have any unresolved conflict with anyone at Harvest Church? *

Do you or your children have any health concerns that could prevent your husband from serving faithfully as an Elder/Pastor at Harvest Church due to his responsibility to care for his family well? *

This question refers to both physical and emotional needs (such as severe depression). Please note, these may not disqualify your husband from serving, but they do impact the timing of when he steps into Eldership. Bottom line, we care more about your family than we do about your husband becoming an Elder.

Have you ever been unfaithful to your husband in your relationship (emotionally or physically/sexually)? If yes, please explain. *

How would you describe the current health of your marriage? *

If you have children, describe your relationship with your children and their relationship with the Lord. *

Describe a time of conflict where the demands of work or ministry put a strain on your marriage, and how you resolved that issue? *

How does your husband ensure strength and growth in your marriage and family and lead spiritually in the home? *

Can you describe your husband's calling to ministry as you see it? *

Do you support his desire to be an Elder at Harvest? *

Is there anything else about you, your marriage, or your family that you believe we should know as we enter this process with your husband? *

Have you read all of your husband’s answers in his application and do you believe has represented things truthfully? *

Have you told the truth in all of the above statements? *

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