Members have the opportunity to nominate qualified men in the ordained office of elder and deacon, and qualified women in the commissioned role of deaconess. These nominees will be presented before the Session in late spring to move forward through training and equipping. Approved nominees will go through a three-month training, focused on Scripture, theology, polity, shepherding, care, and mission. When complete, they’ll go back to the Session for final approval to be presented before the congregation in December for election.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR BEING AN ELDER, DEACON, OR DEACONESS: 

  1. Biblical - I Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9.

  2. Theological - They must be in theological agreement with the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms.

  3. They need to be a member of SBCC for at least 5 years before serving.

  4. They must be willing to attend leader training classes.

  5. They should have a demonstrated track record of participation and involvement at SBCC.

  6. They must receive multiple nominations.

  7. Officer nominees need to be approved by the session to begin training. Those who complete the training class will be interviewed by the session to be considered as officer candidates for election at a congregational meeting.