TCE ELDER

1. Who can be nominated?

Any non-staff* male member of The Church at Estrella who in your

opinion has demonstrated the Biblical qualities of Eldership in their life. (Acts 6:3, 1 Tim 3:1-8, Titus 1:5-9)

*Staff is any paid ministry leads who direct the daily tasks of the church. (ie Kids and Kids Jr Director, Next Steps Leads-

2. What if they are not a member can I still nominate, or what if I don’t know if they are a member?

Go ahead and nominate them.

3. Who can nominate an Elder?

Any member of TCE age 13 or above may nominate a non-staff male for Elder.

4. Do I have to be a member to nominate?

The privilege of ministry and care by our Elders is reserved* for those holding membership within our church.

5. How many can I nominate?

Please only nominate 1. We understand that there are many great candidates in our midst, but want you to prayerfully consider who best fits these qualities and nominate that person.

6. How many Elders will be nominated?

We are prayerfully considering adding 2 Elders into the life and rhythm of The Church at Estrella. This will provide an approx 1:30 ratio.

7. If we have more candidates nominated than 3 what will we do?

Those who accept a nomination will go through a training process of what it means and looks like to be an Elder in the church. And depending on growth and other factors we will have an additional Church Family Meeting to select the Elders that will be ordained and installed as Elders of TCE.

8. What if we have less than 3?

Those that are nominated that meet the qualifications will be trained and then ordained and installed as Elders. They will each take a portion of the membership to be responsible for, and the remaining members will continue under the direct care of the Lead Pastor.

9. How long is someone an Elder?

The ordination of Elder is a life long ordination. Unless an Elder is removed by the Lead Pastor or Elder team due to failure to uphold the office and/or its qualifications. We believe in a plurality of leadership and rest for Elders so that we can best lead and care through them. As such, Elders at TCE will serve their members for 3 years. They may be renominated after that first 3 years to lead again. An Elder can only lead 2 consecutive terms.

10. How do I nominate?

You can nominate in person at our Annual Church Business Mtg through a nomination form that will be made available just prior to the meeting. There is also a digital version of the form available that can be accessed on the Church Center App homepage- Click on Elder Nomination graphic.

11. What if I cannot attend the Church Family Business Meeting, can I still nominate?

You may submit a nomination using the digital form mentioned above (question 10). You can access this nomination through Church Center App.

Leadership Philosophy at TCE

At The Church at Estrella, elders are not a governing or voting body. The church is staff-led under the leadership of the Lead Pastor, with elders serving as trusted spiritual leaders who provide counsel, discernment, prayer, and shepherding. Decisions are made through spiritual leadership rather than formal votes, ensuring clarity of direction while honoring the wisdom of the elder team.

1. Nomination (Congregational Recommendation)

Members of The Church at Estrella are invited to prayerfully recommend one man whom they believe meets the biblical qualifications for eldership and reflects the character, wisdom, and spiritual maturity described in Scripture. nominations are recommendations, not appointments.

Nominations may occur:

during the Annual Church Family Business Meeting when elder needs are identified, or at a specially called Church Family Business Meeting announced for this purpose. When nominations are to be received, the church will be notified at least 72 hours in advance, allowing time for prayerful consideration.

2. Initial Discernment (Elders and Lead Pastor)

The current Elders and the Lead Pastor will meet together to:

pray over all nominations, review each recommendation carefully, discern which nominees should be invited to continue in the process. This discernment is spiritual and pastoral in nature, seeking wisdom, unity, and faithfulness rather than efficiency.

3. Invitation & Willingness

Those nominated will be personally contacted by the Lead Pastor and/or Elders to:

clearly explain the role, expectations, and posture of eldership at TCE, confirm interest and willingness to pursue this responsibility. A nominee may decline at this stage without stigma or explanation.

4. Elder Formation & Training

Men who affirm interest will enter a training and discernment period of no less than three months, with a strong preference toward six months when possible.

During this season, candidates will:

participate in elder meetings, prayer, and discussion, receive teaching on the role and responsibilities of elders at TCE,

engage in spiritual formation and mutual discernment, continue to evaluate calling, readiness, and fit alongside the Elders and Lead Pastor. This season is intended to clarify calling and readiness—not to test performance or guarantee appointment.

5. Elder Approval (Recommendation to the Church)

At the conclusion of the training period, the Elders and Lead Pastor will prayerfully discern which candidates are:

ready to be recommended to the church for affirmation, approved but not yet ready, or not ready to serve at this time. Approval reflects spiritual discernment and readiness—not merit, comparison, or urgency. Candidates approved through this process will be recommended to the church for affirmation.

6. Congregational Affirmation & Ordination

Approved candidates will be presented to the church for affirmation, either:

at the Annual Church Family Business Meeting, or at a specially called Church Family Business Meeting following completion of training.

Affirmation Process Each candidate is affirmed individually, not ranked or compared. Affirmation requires at least 80% “yes” support from the congregation.

Affirmation is not a popularity vote or an election. It is a declaration of trust, recognition of calling, and a willingness to submit to a man’s spiritual leadership.

A “no” vote is not an accusation. Failure to reach the affirmation threshold does not permanently disqualify a man—it simply indicates that the timing or clarity is not right. Candidates who do not receive the required affirmation will be cared for pastorally and prayerfully discerned regarding future steps.

Ordination

Those affirmed by the congregation will be ordained publicly, recognizing that:

God has called them, the church affirms their character and readiness, they are entrusted to serve as elders at TCE under the leadership of the Lead Pastor.

7. Installation & Stewardship of Timing

Ordination recognizes calling and readiness. Installation assigns responsibility. The Elders, under the leadership of the Lead Pastor, will steward the timing of installation based on: the current size and shepherding needs of the church, growth, transition, or loss within the elder team, the overall health and capacity of the church. Not all ordained elders may be installed immediately.

8. Ordained but Not Installed Elders

Men who have been:

trained and discerned, approved by the Elders and Lead Pastor, affirmed and ordained by the congregation,

are recognized as elders of TCE.

Ordained but not installed elders:

participate fully in elder prayer, discussion, and discernment, support the staff-led leadership of the church,

continue in formation and shared spiritual responsibility. Installation marks the point at which an elder is formally entrusted with active shepherding responsibility over a portion of the congregation.

Until installed, these elders:

do not carry assigned shepherding oversight, do not function as undershepherds of specific members, are not publicly identified as active elders with assigned care. They are the first to be considered for installation as needs arise due to growth, transition, or inability of a current elder to continue serving.

9. Annual Review & Ongoing Transparency

At the Annual Church Family Business Meeting, the Elders will:

report on the health and coverage of the elder team, communicate current or anticipated needs, indicate whether new nominations will be received.

This annual rhythm ensures transparency, shared ownership, and predictable leadership discernment within the life of the church.

Summary Statement

Leadership at The Church at Estrella is never rushed, hidden, or centralized in one place. Elders are recommended by the congregation, discerned and formed through prayer, affirmed and ordained by the church, and installed according to the needs of the body—all under the guidance of Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and trusted spiritual leadership.

The role of the Elder is to serve and provide leadership assistance to the both Lead Pastor and The Church at Estrella (TCE), both staff and membership, specifically under the direction and leadership of the Lead Pastor. This position is primarily responsible for the spiritual health of individual church members and the spiritual health of the overall church. This position is both a support and leadership role as TCE is a staff lead and Elder supported organization, as such it will require support of the beliefs, mission, values and strategy of TCE and its staff, leadership, teams, and volunteers.

An Elder will be responsible for the following:

1. Modeling Biblical Priorities

Responsible for upholding Biblical priorities and core values of [TCE]. The Elder should

represent a growing personal relationship with Christ. The Elder models a strong relationship with his spouse (if married) and children (if applicable). The Elder strives to fulfill his

purpose in life and ministry while demonstrating integrity in words, relationships and actions.

These objectives are accomplished by:

• Committing to a daily quiet-time with God.

• Participating or Leading in a TCE small group on a regular basis.

• Setting appropriate boundaries to protect character and integrity.

• Supporting the ministries of TCE by faithfully and regularly giving.

• Faithfully attending TCE Sunday Morning Gatherings and events

• Adhering to and encompassing the qualities and characteristics required of Elders in the Bible.

2. Functioning as Under-shepherds* to Membership

The function of under shepherds was to support and provide assistance to the lead or over shepherd. They are trusted as having both the sheep they watch over and lead shepherd’s, whom they serve with best interest, protecting and defending the herd from outside attacks as well as inside disease and conflicts. Under-shepherds were given a small number of the flock to watch and care for and keep count, not to lose even one. As such the Elder is to function like an under-shepherd supporting the lead pastor and the teams he leads (staff, etc.) and watching over and defending the membership from false teaching, membership conflicts, straying away from the group, and others . (John 21:15-19)

This objective is accomplished by:

•Accounting for a portion of the membership as their own as assigned by the Lead Pastor

•Praying monthly for the entrusted membership. An Elder should have a prayer calendar with their membership on each day and a plan of reaching out to them regarding their prayer needs on a specific day.

•Recognizing when a church member under the care of the under-shepherd/ Elder is absent for more than 3-4 weeks. (Luke 15, Matt 18).

•Pursuing that member (A Phone call, text message or home visit to encounter the member) in the same manner that the Lead Pastor or Jesus would pursue them.

•Promote an environment and atmosphere of trust and transparency in TCE

•Provide support for the membership in the process of becoming like Jesus

•Be an advocate for the individual member(s) they shepherd.

•Provide Biblical wisdom and counsel for members.

•Provide or facilitate care in times of sickness, spiritual struggles, or family moments for the members that they oversee.

3. Develop and support strategies of TCE

Developing and deploying alongside the lead pastor the strategies and principles that guide and direct TCE. An Elder is to be strong and brave, facing the challenges of the church with the lead pastor and seeking to provide Godly insight and wisdom in guiding and directing the church’s path forward.

This could include:

• Conflict resolution with Pastor and Staff

• Engaging with a member who is disgruntled or unrepentant

• Creating policy and staff guidelines to best help the church

4. Participating in a Monthly Elder Meeting

The entire Elder team will meet 1x a month (90 minutes) for prayer and for the purpose of hearing from the Lead Pastor concerning the overall vision, strategy and health of the church and where TCE is heading. In addition, the team will share with each other concerning the spiritual and personal health of the membership that they oversee. The Elder commits to participate actively in this meeting, praying with the team, and seeking to live out the vision discussed not only professionally but also personally. The Elder also commits that this information is all confidential unless directed otherwise.

4. Ordination

•Ordination* from the church (TCE) to lead in their/ membership interests: (Acts 6:3)

*Ordination is a recognition from the Lead pastor that symbolized that this person is called by God, has invested themselves and has the gifts necessary to be an Elder. It is a recognition from the church that this person has demonstrated their calling and gifts and thus that the membership will submit to their leadership. Ordination requires that an Elder will:

•Lead from a posture of being lead by the Great Shepherd (John 10:?, Psalms 23:1)

•Lead from a posture of being lead by the lead shepherd (Lead Pastor) (1 Peter 5:1-4)

5. Budget

Responsible for affirming the budget that is to be presented by the FAB team to the church.

6. Evaluation

The Lead Pastor will be responsible for evaluating the Elder and providing feedback to all these items which will continue TCE’s pursuit of excellence for the glory of God.

7. And all other duties as assigned by the Lead Pastor which are in accordance with the vision, mission and strategy of TCE.

This guide is designed to help our church think biblically and prayerfully about eldership at The Church at Estrella. It was originally created for small-group discussion, and we are now making it available church-wide as we prepare to nominate elders again—following both growth and loss in our church family.

This is not a debate document, nor is it the nomination itself. Rather, it is meant to provide biblical insight, clarity on how we understand eldership, and guidance as each member prays and discerns whom God may be calling to serve as an elder among us.

Thank you for engaging in this process, praying for our church, and seeking to live out what God calls His Church to be.

Read Acts 6:1–7

In your own words, what is happening in this story?

Questions to consider:

Who are the two groups mentioned in this passage, and what makes them different?

What makes them the same?

What is the main conflict?

What are some surrounding tensions or challenges that may not be explicitly stated?

While this passage does not use the title “elder,” it does show the early church recognizing the need for qualified leadership as the church grows.

What process do the twelve disciples follow?

They gather the whole group of disciples (the church).

They clarify their primary calling.

They identify a real need.

They invite others to pray, discuss, and nominate qualified individuals.

This pattern helps shape how we approach leadership at The Church at Estrella.

Characteristics from Acts 6

The passage lists several qualifications. Some translations list two, others list three.

Good reputation
Why is this important? What does it communicate to both the church and the community?

Godly (full of the Spirit)
What does a godly life look like in everyday faithfulness?

Wise
How is wisdom different from godliness? Can someone be sincere or well-meaning, yet lack wisdom?

These are patterns of life—not moments of perfection.

Additional Qualifications from Paul

Paul gives further qualifications for elders/overseers in:

1 Timothy 3:1–7

Titus 1:5–9

Read both passages together.

Questions to consider:

What characteristics are listed?

Which qualities overlap?

Which ones stand out as different or emphasized in one passage more than the other?

Are there any qualifications that raise questions or feel unclear to you?

“Husband of One Wife”

This phrase often raises important questions.

Does this mean an elder must be male?

(Discuss before reading below.)

At The Church at Estrella, we believe the answer is yes.

We believe Scripture presents a consistent biblical pattern of spiritual leadership. In Ephesians 4, Paul first addresses the order and leadership within the church, and then moves directly into the structure of the home. This order is intentional. Scripture teaches that the home is to be led by the husband under God’s authority, and the church reflects that same pattern of leadership.

Immediately before discussing overseers, Paul writes:
“I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man” (1 Timothy 2:12). Given the immediate context, this instruction applies to the role of overseer, which is defined by teaching and exercising authority.

As Jeramie Rinne writes:

“Just as God has called men to lead in marriage and parenting (Eph. 5:22–6:4), so he calls men to lead in the church family.”

Faithful Christians have differing views on this issue. Our conviction is based not on preference or culture, but on what we believe to be the consistent teaching and pattern of Scripture.

Divorce and Eldership

Does divorce disqualify someone from serving as an elder?

(Discuss.)

At The Church at Estrella, we believe divorce warrants careful conversation, not automatic disqualification.

Divorce that occurred before someone became a follower of Jesus should not automatically prevent them from serving.

Divorce that occurred because a spouse was unfaithful should not automatically disqualify someone.

Does remarriage disqualify someone from serving as an elder?

(Discuss.)

Most likely not. As with divorce, context matters.

Remarriage after the death of a spouse is different than leaving a spouse to marry another person.

Situations involving abuse or unfaithfulness require wisdom and discernment.

In all cases, the key questions involve maturity, growth, repentance, and the wisdom that person would bring to the role of shepherding others. The goal is discernment, not justification.

Teaching and Preaching

Does being an elder mean someone must preach on Sunday mornings?

(Discuss.)

At The Church at Estrella, we believe this qualification means an elder must rightly understand and handle Scripture—protecting the church from false teaching, legalism, or confusion about the gospel.

An elder should be able to teach the Scriptures, whether:

in community groups,

in smaller teaching environments,

or, if needed and asked, from the main platform on a Sunday.

Not every elder will preach regularly, but every elder should be capable of teaching faithfully.

Reflecting Together

Is this leadership structure needed at The Church at Estrella?

Will you commit to pray and ask God for wisdom as you consider someone to nominate as an elder?

After discussion and prayer, participants will be invited to nominate one person—the individual they believe best reflects the biblical qualifications outlined in Scripture.

Nominating someone does not mean they will automatically become an elder. All nominations will be prayerfully considered and discerned through our established process.

Questions or Follow-Up

If you have additional questions, you are welcome to ask them during discussion or email them to charles@estrella.church.

As our church continues to grow and grieve, we believe this is an appropriate and faithful time to seek additional shepherds who will care well for the people God has entrusted to The Church at Estrella.

Thank you for praying, discerning, and walking with us in this process.