The church is led by elders and deacons, who are formally recognised by the whole church, and numerous others with specific responsibilities, delegated to them by the elders and deacons.

Elders

Elders (or pastors) are responsible for the spiritual direction and leadership of the church, including the preaching and teaching ministry, pastoral care of individuals, organisation and pattern of church life, and overall strategy. We believe they are gifted and equipped by God, but must be recognised and set apart by the church membership. Their authority is from Christ, the Head of the church, and therefore always subject to the principles of Scripture, and requires the consent of the membership if it is to be effective.

Deacons

Deacons are set apart, under the authority of the elders, to be responsible for handling the practical aspects of church life, such as the premises and equipment we use, finances, paperwork, transport and the practical needs of the congregation. They too have an authority in their areas of responsibility, which also requires acknowledgement by the membership if they are to function effectively.

Qualifications for elders and deacons are found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, and procedures for appointment of Elders and Deacons are laid out in our shortly to be published statement of beliefs.

Home Group Leaders

Home group leaders are appointed by the elders to be responsible for the midweek home groups, which meet in members’ homes. They exercise a week to week responsibility for arranging venues and leaders for the meetings and any special events the groups may plan. They also exercise a general care for those in their group.

Youthwork

Youthwork depends on teams of dedicated and gifted people who give time and effort to run weekly and annual activities. There is currently one person co-ordinating Children’s Work (school years 1-7) and one person co-ordinating Youth Work (school years 8-13).

Others

Others have specific responsibilities, either for regular Sunday duties, which appear on the quarterly rotas, or for special annual events, such as the Inter-Church Camp, Holiday Club or Buffet Supper, or for areas of responsibility such as transport or catering.