Elder Nomination Form

To recommend an elder for service at Cave Spring Baptist Church, we ask you to prayerfully consider the ministry and qualifications of elders summarized below. You may submit your nomination by completing the other side of this form and returning form to the church office.

Timeline:

May 31 – July 12 – Complete Form and Submit to the Church Office

July 12 – Evaluation of Candidates Begins

Aug 16 – Candidate Announcement at Members’ Meeting

Aug 17 – Prayer for Candidates Begins

Sept 20 – Vote on Candidates

Who Are Elders?

Elders oversee the pastoral ministry of the church according to God’s Word, serving as shepherds who lead, feed, and care for the flock. They have four primary responsibilities:

  • Caring for souls

  • Ministry of Word and prayer

  • Making disciples

  • Leadership, vision, and administration

In all their work, elders seek to lead the people of God for His glory and their good.

What Do They Do?

At CSBC, elders share responsibility for the following tasks:

  • Teach and preach the Word of God (2 Tim 3:16–17; 4:1–2)

  • Member care, counseling, peacemaking, baptisms, weddings, funerals (1 Peter 5:2)

  • Coordinate, plan, and lead worship services (Psalm 95; Col 3:16–17)

  • Oversee the service or ministry of deacons (1 Tim 3:8–13; Acts 6:1–6)

  • Work with the Stewardship Committee to manage the budget (2 Cor 8:1–15)

  • Work with the Personnel Committee to oversee all paid staff (Eph 4:11–13)

  • Consider and present prospective members (Acts 2:42–47; 1 Cor 12:12–27)

  • Equip others: elders, deacons, committees, serve teams (Eph 4:11–16; 1 Peter 5:1–5)

  • Mobilize the church for missions (Matt 28:19–20; Rom 10:14–15)

  • Shepherd and restore members through church discipline (Matt 18:15–17)

Qualifications of Elders

Elders (or pastors) are men called of God who aspire to serve and whom the church elects. Elders ought to be recommended to the church based on their ministry of example: personal integrity, family life, and sound doctrine (1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9). The church assists prospective elders to discern their calling and affirm a life that reflects the character and maturity of elders. Elders must also affirm CSBC’s Statement of Faith and commit to live according to our Members’ Covenant.