OVERSIGHT ELDER DUTIES

1. Teaching and Guarding the Word

• Regularly teach in some context: Sunday sermons, Thrive Kids, Thrive Groups, Youth Group, Discipleship Track, or one-on-one Bible studies.
• Review and affirm the church’s doctrinal statement and ensure all teaching aligns with it.
• Read through the church’s curriculum and listen to sermons from other leaders to ensure soundness.
• Identify and mentor at least one younger man to develop as a future teacher (2 Tim. 2:2).
• Be ready to gently correct members when false teaching or misunderstandings arise (Acts 20:30–31).

2. Leading with Courage

• Attend and actively contribute to Oversight Elder meetings, making decisions prayerfully and biblically.
• Take initiative to reach out to members drifting from fellowship.
• Be willing to confront sin lovingly, pursuing Matthew 18 church discipline when necessary.
• Lead by example in evangelism and disciple-making, encouraging members to follow.

3. Modeling Christlike Character

• Live transparently: invite church members into your home and let them see your life up close.
• Pursue ongoing accountability with fellow Oversight Elders to guard against hidden sin.
• Keep your marriage strong and prioritize family discipleship — your home is your first ministry.
• Maintain financial integrity; be open and accountable in how you handle resources.
• Demonstrate humility by admitting mistakes and asking forgiveness when needed.

4. Devotion to Prayer

• Pray through the church membership regularly; cover each member in prayer over the course of weeks.
• Set aside time in Oversight Elder meetings for focused prayer for the congregation and mission.
• Offer to pray with members immediately during conversations, not just later.
• Intercede for your fellow Oversight Elders, Pastors, and support staff by name.
• Lead the congregation in public prayer, modeling dependence on God in worship gatherings.

5. Cultivating a Shepherd’s Heart

• Visit the sick, homebound, and grieving members regularly.
• Be accessible: make time for coffee, meals, or home visits to encourage members personally.
• Keep a pulse on the spiritual health of the church — listen well and ask questions.
• Celebrate spiritual growth: recognize faithfulness and encourage members in visible ways.
• Walk with members through trials, offering both biblical counsel and compassionate presence.

6. Guarding the Church’s Witness

• Maintain a good reputation in the community: integrity in work, family, and neighborhood.
• Lead the way in community involvement, showing that faith extends beyond Sunday gatherings.
• Be above reproach in financial dealings, speech, and conduct in public.
• Encourage members to live missionally, so the church is known for love and truth.

Summary of Duties Required

• Complete Oversight Elder training and shadowing
• Regularly attend Oversight Elder Meetings with the Pastors
• Availability on Sunday mornings to greet people and engage conversation with guests
• Occasional visits to church members (spiritual needs)
• Be involved in teaching in some capacity regularly
• Invest in someone in a regular discipleship relationship
• Be visible among the church body on Sundays and programming