An important part of the life of the church is leadership. Cascade
Christian Reformed is led by a Council made up of elders and
deacons. These are members who serve for terms that are typically
3 years. The following description is from the denomination’s “Form for the
Ordination of Elders and Deacons”:
“In the office-bearers of the church (elders and deacons) we
see the love of Christ for His people. As the Lord of the church, He appoints
leaders and by His Spirit equips them, so that believers may grow in faith,
develop disciplined Christian living, serve others in selfless love, and share
with all the good news of salvation. He taught us the spirit of true leadership
when He said, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your
servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave - just as
the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as
a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:26- 28).
Elders serve by governing the church in Christ's name.
They received this task when Christ entrusted the apostles and their successors
with the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 16:19). Elders are thus responsible
for the spiritual well-being of God's people. They must provide true preaching
and teaching, regular celebration of the sacraments, and faithful counsel and
discipline while keeping in confidence those matters entrusted to them. And
they must promote fellowship and hospitality among believers, ensure good order
in the church, and stimulate witness to all people.
Deacons serve by showing mercy to the church and to all
people. They received this task in the early church when the apostles
designated special persons for the work of mercy (Acts 6; 2 Cor.8-9). In
Christ's name the deacons relieve victims of injustice. By this they show that
Christians live by the Spirit of the kingdom, fervently desiring to give life
the shape of things to come. Deacons are therefore called to assess needs,
promote stewardship and hospitality, collect, and disburse resources for
benevolence, and develop programs of assistance. They are also called to speak
words of Christian encouragement. Thus, in word as well as deed they demonstrate
the care of the Lord himself.
These tasks of elders and deacons call for believers who
are Christlike, who are mature in the faith, and who exercise their offices
with prayer, patience, and humility.”
Bible passages that speak of the qualifications and duties
of elders and deacons as well as the spiritual gifts that Christ gives to the
members of his body are: 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-5, Romans
12:1-8, 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, and Ephesians 4:7-13.
Other considerations that
are generally followed at Cascade CRC:
1.
Have been a member of Cascade CRC for at least
one year prior to nomination.
2.
Demonstrate support of the ministry of Cascade
CRC by regular attendance at worship services and other activities.
3.
Demonstrate Biblical stewardship of time,
talent, and treasure in relation to Cascade CRC.
4.
Not generally having a spouse, sibling, parent,
or child already on council or in fulltime paid employment with the church.
5.
Ideally having been off Council for two years.
6.
At Cascade the elders are men, and the deacons
are men and women.
