The Ministry of An Elder or A Deacon In Peace Evangelical Church

(1) Lifetime Service as Elder or Deacon:

At the time of the establishment of the PEC, the servants of the Lord formulated a system of Lifetime Service for our Elders and Deacons that corresponded to their enlightenment from the Bible. The fundamental basis is church governance administered by the Elders, providing edification through Biblical Truths, spiritual nurturing, and ministries centered upon prayers and spiritual oversight. As well, they serve in conjunction with our Preachers and Deacons, coordinating all efforts to shepherd the flock of the Lord. Qualifications for the role of Elder or Deacon are all based on Biblical teachings (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3; Acts 20:28). The salient elements are that person‘s spirituality, character, steadfastness for the Truth, commitment to the Church, and sanctified life as testimony. Secondary to these are personal capabilities, knowledge, and experiences. The suitable candidates for Elder or Deacon are nominated by the Council of Elders as per the lead and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and bear the validation of the congregants. After a probationary period of one year, they will be formally appointed and consecrated as an Elder or Deacon of the church. This election to the post is a lifetime commitment that the Church understands conforms to Biblical teachings. However, in consideration of advancing age, deteriorating health, or other limiting factors, the member may withdraw from the position’s executive functions and step back from certain serving duties. Nonetheless, the member shall continue to participate as an Elder or Deacon in such responsibilities as shepherding, edifying, and maintaining spiritual oversight subject to personal capacity.

(2) How should offenses by Elders or Deacons be handled?

Since there is no cessation of an Elder or Deacon’s term of service post consecration, when congregants observe or discover sinful misbehavior or grievous lapses in character by a servant, how must that situation be handled? As our church is a spiritual community, when any member personally believes that an Elder or a Deacon has misbehaved, the matter must be dealt with in accordance with Biblical principles as per the blueprint originates from Matthew 18:15-17, 1Timothy 5:19, and the PEC’s own publication: "Our Church.” Ultimately, the goal is to redeem the feeble and wayward member and give way to the Lord to manifest His authority and presence within the church (Matthew 18:18-20). This process will include:

1) Personal prayer and query – Beseech the Lord to examine your mind and soul to ascertain if you maintain a loving heart for others and an obedient spirit for the Lord, whilst ensuring your focus is the sanctity of the church and the circumstances of the members, instead of submission to responsive actions provoked by impulses of the flesh (Psalm 119:23-24).

2) Meet and converse with the member - The most appropriate recourse as per Biblical teachings is to offer one-on-one counseling directed by a loving heart, or initiate meetings together with other suitable members, Elders, or Deacons to have frank conversations. Ensure the person is not humiliated and understands you do not desire to humiliate or hurt anyone, but strive only to persuade and redeem him or her so that he or she may turn away from sin (Matthew 18:15).

3) Advise the church to follow up - If the person will not acknowledge any transgression or accept counseling, then one may bring the matter to the attention of the church so that the Council of Elders or the Elders and Deacons can investigate and follow up (Matthew 18:17). The church must rely on at least two or three witnesses presenting evidence (such as time and place) and testimony in order to make a judgement that the party involved cannot refute (Matthew 18:16). Ultimately, the goal is not to condemn the party, but to help him or her depart from sin. But if the party adamantly refuses to admit to the sin and repent despite a conclusive investigation confirming the party’s guilt, then the church will set up a disciplinary team to pursue the matter. According to Biblical teachings and with the consent of the Elders and Deacons Committee, the team may strip the sinful party of any positions, and bar his or her attendance at all church services (including Breaking of Bread Communion Service). Should the party stubbornly persist in denial and evade repentance, perhaps even deserting the church in a fit of anger and embarrassment, the church will deal with it as per principles set forth in our "Church Disciplinary Manual" - Cut off fellowship with this party and “hand him over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his soul may be saved in the day of our Lord” (1 Corinthians 5:5). (Note: This does not imply putting this party to death. The context is that the world lies in Satan’s hands. When someone leaves the church, he or she is forfeiting spiritual protection and falling into the dominion of the world. It also signifies that he or she will confront all of the hardships that ensue when one is under the world’s control, as well as attacks by Satan. For him or her, it is indeed a painful outcome.) Nonetheless, the church will persistently beseech the sinner to confess and repent, awaiting his or her return. Whenever that may be - so long as he or she is truly repentant - the church will unequivocally reaccept him or her. On the other hand, if after a thorough investigation of the matter, the Elders and Deacons make a final determination that the complaint is either not valid, or does not involve any Biblical Truth or sin, then the members must learn in the Lord to accede to the decision of the Elders and Deacons, just as they submit to the Lord, so that the harmony and unity of the church will be maintained.

(3) A Vote of Confidence or Disapproval?

At every year’s end, how shall members elect to cast their votes, either of confidence or of disapproval, for each Elder and Deacon? Members must cast their ballots with a cautious attitude, and only after careful consideration, thorough reflection and prayers. Since every Elder and Deacon is a servant of God, we trust that he or she carries the Lord’s personal calling. We shall therefore follow Biblical teachings and always respect and obey the leadership of the Elders and Deacons. A vote of disapproval must never be casually cast simply due to contrary opinions, divergent paths, or even just a misinterpretation of demeanor or words. If one truly harbors a heartfelt unease, then first apply the actions as described above in accordance with Biblical principles. Should the matter already be under the scrutiny of the Council of Elders or Elders and Deacons Committee, then a vote of confidence may be cast reflecting trust of, and obedience to, the leadership. But if the situation persists lacking a reasonable clarification from the Council or Committee, then a personal decision conforming to one’s conscience to cast the vote either way may be made after praying.

Composed by the Council of Elders (Penned by Steve Chan and Matthew Sin)