Today, we begin the process of selecting and appointing elders. Below is a description of how we intend to proceed, including dates and specific instructions for how you can participate in this process.

Phase One "Search the Scriptures" (Acts 17:11)
Sunday, July 21 – Sunday, August 25th

Over the past six weeks, we have been studying on Sunday mornings what the Bible says about the work, qualities, and appointment of elders. If you were not here for any of those sermons, recordings are available on CD and also on our website at bridgeviewchurch.com/sermons. Outlines of all the lessons are also available both in print and on our website. Please spend time reading and studying what the Bible says on this matter with your family.

Phase Two "Look Out Among Yourselves" (Acts 6:3)
Sunday, August 25th – Saturday, September 7th

For the next two weeks, members are asked to look within this congregation for men who meet the scriptural qualifications for elders. We have made elder selection sheets available for this purpose. Please note the following instructions carefully:

   1. Fill out one form for each man whom you believe is qualified.

   2. Each baptized member of this congregation should submit his or her own forms.

   3. Please fill out a separate form for each qualified man.

   4. Please do not fill out a form for any man whom you believe is not qualified.

   5. Your name should be on every form you submit.

   6. This is neither an election nor a popularity contest. Your sole objective should be to submit the names of the men among us who are biblically qualified. The submission of a name must not be based on your own opinions or preferences.

Once completed, these forms should be given to Rusty, Tim, or Luke. The elder selection sheets are also available on our website at bridgeviewchurch.com/elders (a link to the pdf is at the bottom of the page) and may be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Please make sure you have submitted all forms before morning worship begins on Sunday, September 8th.

Phase Three "Let Each One Examine His Own Work" (Galatians 6:4)
Sunday, September 8th – Saturday, September 14th

Each man who was named by the congregation will be contacted and will be asked the following questions:

   1. Do you believe you are qualified to serve as an elder?

   2. Do you desire the work?

   3. Do you believe the congregation will support you in this work?

   4. Do you believe you can fulfill all of the responsibilities of this work?

The men of the congregation have asked Rusty, Tim, and Luke to attend to this task.

Phase Four "Let Them Also First Be Tested" (1 Timothy 3:10)
Sunday, September 15th – Saturday, September 28th

The names of the men who answer “yes” to all of the above questions will be presented to the congregation on Sunday, September 15th. We will then allow a brief period of time for members to consider whether or not there is a biblical objection to the appointment of these specific men. If you believe there is a scriptural reason why any of these men should not serve, please go talk privately with that man. You should not discuss your objection with anyone else, but rather follow the basic procedure given in Matthew 18:15-17 (cf. 1 Timothy 5:19). If the two of you cannot come to a common understanding of the scriptures in question, you should bring one or two others into the discussion. This is not for the purpose of gathering supporters for your position, but rather an attempt to resolve the issue peaceably and without slander or gossip. If the matter cannot be resolved, we may choose to discuss it as a congregation in order to come to an agreement on what God expects. We will likely allow two weeks for any objections to be addressed and resolved. If, at any point in this process, you need more time, just talk to Rusty and we will consider making appropriate changes to this proposed timeline.

Phase Five "Set in Order the Things Which Are Lacking and Appoint Elders" (Titus 1:5)
Sunday, September 29th

Those men whose names remain under consideration at this point will be appointed to serve as elders of this local church.

“…walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)