ARTICLE V:  LEADERSHIP AND OFFICERS.

 Section 1:   The Chief Shepherd. 

Jesus Christ, God's Son, is the sole Head of Sunrise Bible Fellowship, the Leader before whom all human leaders must bow (Eph. 1:22,23; Matt. 23:8-11; 1 Pet. 5:4).  He communicates His will for the church through His Word, the Bible (2 Tim 3:16-17).  He illuminates the application of His Word through the Holy Spirit who indwells the heart of each true believer (John 14:15-17).  He also shepherds the flock by providing the church under-shepherds who are commissioned, under His leadership, with the task of equipping the flock for its full functioning (Eph. 4:7-16; 1 Peter 5:1-4). 

Section 2:   Under-shepherds (also called elders, overseers and pastors). 

A.    OFFICERS. 

The officers will include a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman and a Secretary.  When there is an adequate number of elders the offices of Chairman and Secretary shall not be held by the same person.  Until such time as there is an adequate number of elders one elder may hold more than one responsibility.  The separation of duties among these shall be determined by the elders. 

1.  Chairman.  The Chairman shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and shall, subject to the Board of Elders, have general supervision, direction and control of the activities and officers of the Corporation.  He shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Elders, which are to be conducted according to Scriptural principles such as set forth in Philippians 2:2-8, and Robert's Parliamentary Rules of Order.

2.  Vice-Chairman.  In the absence or disability of the chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall perform all the duties of the Chairman, and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the Chairman.  The Vice-Chairman shall have such powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed for him by the Board of Elders or the By-laws.

3.  Secretary.  The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, the official minutes of all the meetings of the board of Elders.  When there is an adequate number of elders the Secretary shall inform the Chairman of the Board of Elders of any unfinished or tabled business three days prior to the next scheduled meeting.  Minutes of meetings shall be typed and posted in a designated place to inform the congregation of the Board of Elders' activities.  These minutes will represent only the normal business of the Corporation.  Any business dealing with discipline or counseling shall not be posted.  The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the principle office in the State of California the original and a copy of the Corporation's Articles and By-laws, as amended to date. 

The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping the seal of the Corporation in safe custody.  The Secretary, along with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, shall have access to the safe deposit box holding the seal of the Corporation.  It shall be the Secretary's responsibility to see that the signature card allowing access to the safe deposit box is updated with each change of officers. 

B.    DUTIES. 

During the absence of the Chief Shepherd, the spiritual care of the flock shall be committed to the hands of the elders, who shall consist of those men in the congregation who know The Chief Shepherd best and are most like Him in spirit and character. 

The duties of the Under-shepherds shall generally be to equip all believers of the church to do the work of the ministry, to build their faith and reliance upon the Lord Jesus Christ, to develop Christ-like character and life-style and to protect the church body from harmful influences and doctrinal error.  Some of the means by which these general duties are carried out are: 

1.  Equipping by Education. 

a.  In exposition (teaching) 1 Tim. 5:17; Heb. 13:7

b.  In exhortation (preaching and counseling) Tit. 1:9

c.  In admonition (counseling) 1Thess 5:12

d.  In humble example (life) 1Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:6-9; Heb. 13:7; 1 Pet. 5:3-5 

2.  Equipping by Direction. 

a.  In overseeing and administrating Acts 16:4; 1 Tim. 3:5; 5:17; Heb. 13:7,17; Acts 20:28; 1 Thess. 5:12.

b.  In overseeing the existing life of the church:  evaluation and administration Acts 11:30;20:28; 1Thess. 5:12; Heb. 13:17 

3.  Equipping by protection. 

a.  In guarding the flock from false teaching Acts 20:28-31

b.  In refuting false teachers and scoffers Tit. 1:9 

4.  Equipping by Willing Service. 

a.  In working hard at personal Bible study 1Tim. 5:17; Tit. 1:9

b.  In opening his home in loving hospitality 1 Tim 3:2; Tit 1:8

c.  In helping the weak according to their needs Acts 20:35

d.  In praying for the sick and relieving physical needs  James 5:14 

5.  Equipping by Recognizing new elders or missionaries in the church 1 Tim 4:14. 

The arrangement of these ministries among the elders in the church will be determined by the mutual submission to one another under the Lord, for His glory and for the good of the whole church.  All of the elders will be responsible for the task of decision making.  All decisions of the elders shall be first, biblically based and second, unanimous.  No final decision shall be made without unanimity among the elders.  The elders will have sufficient time together in prayer and mutual exhortation in order that their unity may be preserved under the leadership of Christ. 

C.  QUALIFICATIONS. 

Each member of the Board of Elders must be an active member of this church and possess the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-4. 

(1).    PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS. 

a.  Self-controlled - being able to control oneself under adverse or tempting circumstances. (Titus 1:8; 1 Tim 3:2)

b.  Prudent - showing good judgment, common sense. (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8)

c.  Not addicted to wine - not abusing wine. (1 Tim 3:3)

d.  Not pugnacious - not having a violent temper. (1 Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7)

e.  Gentle - in contrast to pugnacious, being patient or considerate. (1 Tim 3:3)

f.   Uncontentious -being peaceful in nature. (1 Tim 3:3)

g.  Free from the love of money - not being greedy for personal gain. (1 Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:2)

h.  Not a novice - having been saved long enough to develop spiritual maturity and wisdom. (1 Tim 3:6; 1 Peter 5:5)

i.   Not self-willed - not trying to get one's way, not looking out only for oneself. (1 Tim 1:7; 1 Peter 5:5)

j.   Not quick tempered - not easily angered. (Titus 1:7)

k.  Loving what is good - being loyal to moral and ethical values. (Titus 1:8)

l.   Just - being fair and honest. (Titus 1:8)

m. Devout - being devoted to God in worship. (Titus 1:8)

(2).    PUBLIC QUALIFICATIONS. 

a.  Above reproach - having no questionable conduct that would bring accusations. (I Tim 3:2; Titus 1:6)

b.  Hospitable - being receptive and open to people. (I Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8)

c.  Good reputation with those outside - having a morally and ethically upright testimony with the unsaved. (I Tim 3:7) 

(3).    FAMILY QUALIFICATIONS. 

a.  Husband of one wife - literally, being a "one woman type of man", that is, not a flirtatious man but one who is content with his wife. (I Tim 3:2; Titus 1:6)

b.  Manages his own household well - being a spiritual leader in his family. (I Tim 3:4; Titus 1:6)

c.  Children under control with dignity - having children who obey respectfully. (Titus 1:6)

d.  Children who believe, not accused of dissipation - having children who display faith, who are not living recklessly, who are not rebellious to their fathers. (Titus 1:6) 

(4).    MINISTRY QUALIFICATIONS. 

a.  Able to teach - having ability to instruct in doctrine. (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:9)

b.  Holding fast the word of truth - being firm in doctrine and not compromising Scripture. (Titus 1:9)

c.  Exhort with sound doctrine - encouraging believers by means of correct doctrine. (Titus 1:9)

d.  Refute those who contradict - standing against and stopping false teaching. (Titus 1:9) 

D.    RECOGNITION OF ELDERS. 

Since it is God who calls men to be elders by maturing them and burdening them for such a ministry, it is the responsibility of the existing and functioning elders of the church to recognize the men whom the Holy Spirit is appointing for pastoral functioning (Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11).  The process of recognition is as follows: 

(1)     For Male Members of Sunrise Bible Fellowship. 

(a)  Any member of Sunrise Bible Fellowship may present one of the male members for consideration as an elder by completing and signing an evaluation form (which involves a record of how this man measures up to the above mentioned scriptural qualities of an elder) and submitting it to the existing elders of the church.  Each person so presented will be considered seriously.

(b)  The elders, by unanimous consent, will prayerfully decide whether the man suggested should be regarded as a true candidate for the office of elder.  In determining this, the elders will contact the man himself in order to determine his assessment of God's will for him in this matter (1 Tim. 3:1; 1 Pet. 5:2).

(c)  If the man desires the office under the Lord's direction, the elders will then take a period of approximately one year to get to know the candidate.  This time will provide for (a) continued examination and prayer in order to discover God's will (Acts 14:23), (b) a period to familiarize the man with the functions of an elder and (c) a sufficient opportunity for the existing leaders to develop their relationship with the person and to evaluate his spiritual depth and  character as one who might share in the ministry of equipping the saints (1 Tim. 5:22).  Any areas of life in which the man is found lacking will call for a discipler/disciple relationship between two or more of the existing elders and the candidate , so that these deficiencies may be dealt with directly.

(d)  Following the successful completion of this examination period, the existing elders, by unanimous consent, shall present the candidate to the congregation.  The whole fellowship will be given two weeks to express themselves regarding the candidate, remembering to follow the steps in Matthew 18 if there is prospect of a bad report.  They shall acquaint the elders of their reactions either by personally talking to or writing the elders.

(e)  Any objections concerning the candidate which might surface during this process will be worked through in a constructive manner with the man involved, so that any deficiencies or misunderstandings may be corrected.

(f)   When the elders have unanimously agreed upon God's direction and are also confident that any former objections have been dealt with properly, they shall present the candidate to the congregation as a biblically qualified elder.  After prayer, the new elder will be confirmed by the laying on of the hands of the present elders in the presence of the congregation.

(g)    Men who have been ordained as elders in other assemblies will not be automatically recognized as elders at Sunrise Bible Fellowship; such men will be subject to the same process of recognition as any other man in the assembly. 

(2)   For Males not Members of Sunrise Bible Fellowship. 

(a)    In the event the elder’s and members of Sunrise Bible Fellowship determine there is a need for more elders; and after prayerful consideration it is determined that there are no males who are biblically qualified to assume the responsibility; or there are no males who, though qualified biblically, do not believe that they should, for whatever reason, assume the responsibilities of the office of elder.  The existing elders shall proceed with a search for a biblically qualified man outside the membership to assume the responsibilities of serving as an elder of Sunrise Bible Fellowship.

(b)   Any biblically qualified man brought before Sunrise Bible Fellowship shall be examined thoroughly by the existing elders and then he shall be asked to speak to the assembly.

(c)    Anyone asked to speak to the assembly must be in agreement with the Constitution, Bylaws and Church Covenant of Sunrise Bible Fellowship.

(d)   The biblically qualified man will attend a Family Meeting called for the specific purpose of providing the Family the opportunity to ask questions and get acquainted with the man and any family he might have. 

(e)    The man and his family will be expected to ask questions of the church Family and become familiar with them.

(f)     The Family is expected to evaluate the prospective elder to see if they believe he is biblically qualified to assume the responsibilities of being an elder of this local church.

(g)    Working under the biblical authority of the existing elders the Family will then pray for unity and oneness of mind concerning this man to serve in the office of elder.

(h)    When the mind of our Lord is discerned by being in total agreement then the Family will move forward to receive this man and his family into the membership of Sunrise and then proceed to install him as one of the elders of Sunrise Bible Fellowship.

E.    TERM.

(1).    The elders shall serve an indefinite term.

(2).    Elders may serve until such time they have been found to be disqualified to hold the office.

(3).    An elder may also desire to be relieved from the office either temporarily or permanently, if he feels unable to serve for any reason.

F.    DISCIPLINE OF AN ELDER.

Any elder may be disciplined according to biblical principles, although no accusation against an elder will be considered unless there are two or three eye-witnesses (1 Tim. 5:19).  When a confronted elder "continues in sin," he is to be rebuked by the other elders before the whole assembly, that others may fear (1 Tim. 5:20).  An elder will be subject to scrutiny not only in the areas which might call for general church discipline, but also as to his continued meeting of the qualifications for eldership listed above.  When an elder ceases to meet those qualifications, he shall be asked by the elders to step aside for a time so that he may get his life in order in that area.  Such a request from the other elders shall be made only when they are in unanimous agreement.  The process of his possible reinstatement at a later time will be determined by the elders in relation to the attendant circumstances.

Section 3:   Appointed Servants.

        A.    DUTIES.

The elders will be assisted by appointed servants in the specific ministries of the church.  These positions of service in the body are designed to relieve the elders from any affairs that would interfere with their primary involvement in  the Word and prayer.  Every appointed servant is to be involved in conducting a specific area of service in the church, under the direction of the Lord and the supervision of the elders.  Although the appointed servants shall individually advise the elders as to decisions which affect the life and ministry of the church, the office of appointed servant is not considered administrative, nor are the appointed servants to be considered a board of some kind but will serve as directed — independent or on a committee. 

B.    QUALIFICATIONS. 

Male appointed servants are to be men of a high level of spiritual maturity, who display the qualities mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:8-10,12,13 and Acts 6:1-6. 

(1).    PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS 

a.  Dignified - lives in such a way as to command respect. (1 Tim 3:8)

b.  Not double tongued - honest (1 Tim 3:8)

c.  Not addicted to wine - not abusing wine (1 Tim 3:8)

d.  Not fond of sordid gain - not a lover of money (1 Tim 3:8)

e.  Full of the Spirit and wisdom - obedient and knowledgeable of the word of God (Acts 6:3) 

(2).    FAMILY QUALIFICATIONS 

a.  One woman kind of man — not a flirtatious man but one who is content with his wife. (1 Tim 3:12)

b.  Managing well his children and household - being a spiritual leader in his family, having children who obey respectfully. (1 Tim 3:12) 

(3).    MINISTRY QUALIFICATIONS 

a.  Holding his faith with a clear conscience - being firm in doctrine and not compromising Scripture. (1 Tim 3:9)

b.  Proven trustworthy and faithful through testing - successfully demonstrating the ability to complete assignments. (1 Tim 3:10)

Female appointed servants are to be women who likewise have a high level of spiritual maturity, displaying the qualities mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:11. 

(1).    PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS 

a.  Dignified - conduct and character worthy of respect (1 Tim 3:11)

b.  Not a malicious gossip - demonstrated ability to keep a confidence (1 Tim 3:11)

c.  Temperate - characterized as moderate and without extremes (1 Tim 3:11) 

(2).    PUBLIC, FAMILY, MINISTRY QUALIFICATIONS 

a.  Faithful in all things - proven responsible and trustworthy (1 Tim 3:11) 

C.    Recognition. 

Appointed servants shall be recognized in the church as follows: 

(1).    When there is a need for a specific ministry in the church and when a member is available who has the ability and desire to meet that need in a mature and godly way, he/she shall be presented for consideration as an appointed servant.  Any member of Sunrise Bible Fellowship may submit the name of another member by completing and signing the evaluation form for an appointed servant and submitting it to the elders.

(2).    The elders will consider the person on the basis of his meeting the biblical qualifications and on the basis of church needs.  By unanimous consent of the elders, the person shall be regarded as a true candidate for the office of appointed servant.  The person in question will also be contacted to determine his assessment of God's will for him in this matter.

(3).    The remainder of the procedure will follow the basic steps outlined above for the recognition of an elder, including the time of probation and the two weeks for congregational feedback.  When any deficiencies have been dealt with, the candidate shall then be presented to the congregation as an appointed servant, upon the unanimous decision of the elders.  After prayer, the new servant will be confirmed by the laying on of the hands of the elders in the presence of the congregation (Acts 6:6) and will be set apart to the Lord for the faithful fulfillment of the specific service envisioned. 

D.    TERM. 

Appointed servants shall serve a term according to the specific demands of the service for which they were appointed, after which they shall be available for other ministries as needs arise and as long as they continue to qualify.  When an appointed servant who previously served in another capacity is assigned to a new area of service, he/she shall have a new commission to accomplish the task in a faithful way (but without the laying on of hands).  Any appointed servant will be subject to the same discipline as any other member; he/she may also be asked to step down as a servant if he/she does not continue to meet the qualifications for that position.  Such a request must be by the unanimous agreement of the elders.  The process of his/her possible reinstatement at a later time will be determined by the elders in relation to the attendant circumstances.