FAQ 2: Will you have elders or deacons or some other form of leadership? When will that be?
Yes. Early in 2010, we will officially install church leadership. Up until this point, our sending church has provided oversight in financial and personnel areas. And, a team of financial minds from Arrowhead oversees our spending and giving.
This fall you will begin to hear us talk about partnership and leadership. Partnership is our term for membership. Why the shift in terminology? Church is not just something you gain benefits from. It’s something you sacrifice for. (I’m not saying that churches who use the term membership, which is nearly all of them, use it to imply gaining benefits. But, I think “partnership” says it clearer.) Under certain guidelines and covenants, we will be asking people to make the commitment to join Arrowhead as partners. That will become official in January 2010.
This fall you will also begin to hear us talk about church leadership. There will be a group of men who are chosen and approved based on the qualifications of elder in 1 Timothy and Titus. The church staff will guide the day to day operations of the church but these men will provide oversight and accountability.
We chose to take our time on these issues through 2009 because of the time that it takes to really get to know each other. I believe there is wisdom in waiting and watching, and so far I’m very glad we’ve taken this road.
