Through February 12, 2021, our church is receiving nominations for potential new elders and potential new members of the Diaconate.

After an initial screening, nominees for these positions will be invited to participate in a thorough training program. They will also be interviewed carefully by church leaders before being presented to the congregation for approval to ministry.

Qualifications:

Nominees should be members of ACC who demonstrate spiritual maturity and sound judgment and who lead exemplary Christian lives. They should have been involved long enough at ACC for others to observe their character over time.

A full description of the character of elders is found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.  A full description of the character of deacons and deaconesses is found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Among the qualities listed are doctrinal soundness, self-control, financial integrity, carefulness of speech, and a consistent Christian witness at home.

The ministry of an elder is primarily one of shepherding. Elders shepherd the people of God by caring for the spiritual needs of the congregation, and they shepherd the Word of God by overseeing the teaching of the church. The ministry of deacons and deaconesses is primarily one of serving. Deacons and deaconessesattend to the physical, emotional, and financial needs of the congregation and (secondarily) of the surrounding community.

The office of elder is open to spiritually qualified men. Both men and women can serve in Diaconate. Our denomination (PCA) allows for men to be ordained as deacons, women to be appointed as deaconesses, and men to be appointed as diaconal assistants. Our Diaconate is structured to comply with our denomination’s requirements. We allow qualified men and women from our church to function as equal partners in this ministry of service.

Process:

To nominate an individual:

1. Pray.
2. Approach the church member to discuss their willingness to serve.
3. If they consent to be nominated, email your nomination to David Ellis (David@astoriachurch.org) or to Andrea Mungo (admin@astoriachurch.org).
4. Deadline for nominations is February 12th.