Welcome to McIvor Online

Creating a church family with a heart for the community

Leadership

McIvor Church is served by a Church Council that is chaired by the Moderator. The church council members serve as overseers of the local church community. They serve and minister as representatives of the people for the purpose of upholding and encouraging the community under God. They are characterized by God-given wisdom, discernment and understanding.

Leaders within the church are never seen as outside or above the people, but are part of the whole people of God who have been given the responsibility to lead. They function as servants who lift others up and encourage them to grow up into Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16).

The leaders are mature and discerning members of the congregation and are honored for their function. Ministry is the task of all believers, and the elders are the primary movers of the congregation to ministry.

In the New Testament churches there is no evidence of solitary leadership, even in the smallest and youngest churches. Therefore it is our conviction that we serve together as a group of leaders in the local fellowship.

Listed below are six specific functions of church council:

  1. Lead the general direction of the church. This is a watchcare function, which relates to the pastoral oversight of the congregation (1 Timothy 3:5; 5:17).

  2. Care for God's people and become examples to follow (1 Peter 5:2-3).

  3. Pray for God's people (James 5:13-18).

  4. Teach God's people. The content, method and context of this instruction will vary according to the given need and gift of the council member. At issue is the faithful handling of the Word of God (1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:9).

  5. Mentor others (1 Corinthians 4:16; Philippians 2:19). This is an intentional and active function where the council members identify and prepare future leaders.

  6. Equip God's people for service (Ephesians 4) in the broader community.