Governance is an important component of any church leadership structure. We take very seriously the responsibility that God has given us to lead well, and to that end the organizational structure that we have in place involves pastors, directors and elders.

Leadership at Bethel can be likened to driving on a road. The pastors are responsible for navigating that vehicle down the road. Our directors serve as lines on the road to help keep us on mission. Elders serve as the guardrails to pray and ensure that we do not derail doctrinally or theologically. 

 

Elders have dual function at Bethel. Elders are installed to serve as our legal representation to the state and in that sense, they provide financial oversight in budget approvals and expenditures. They are not engaged in daily operations as this is primarily the roles of pastors and directors. But within the Biblical context of the church, elders pray for this house as they ensure that we do not stray from Biblical teaching. Many of our elders are assigned to a ministry to pray and support spiritually and they will often teach within those ministries. The lead pastor will, at different times, engage members of these groups of leaders to gain feedback and insight into particular areas in which they may hold expertise. Should the lead pastor show signs of deviating from God’s Word, it would be the responsibility of elders to direct, guide, and possibly discipline.