Congregational Governance

Berean is a congregational church. We believe God has entrusted the local church with the responsibility of affirming its leaders and participating in significant decisions affecting the life and ministry of the church.

Church members affirm biblically qualified elders and entrust them with the responsibility of shepherding and overseeing the church according to Scripture. Members also affirm the annual budget, vote on constitutional changes, call the Lead Pastor, and participate in other significant matters as outlined in our Constitution and Bylaws.

This shared responsibility reflects our commitment to biblical accountability, transparency, and unity as we seek God’s direction together.

Elder Leadership

Within our congregational model, Scripture places the responsibility for shepherding and spiritual oversight on a team of biblically qualified elders (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1–3; Hebrews 13:17).

Together, the elders serve the church by:

  • Shepherding and caring for God’s people
  • Teaching and protecting sound doctrine
  • Praying for and leading the congregation
  • Providing spiritual oversight with wisdom and integrity
  • Serving together with humility and accountability

Our pastors and staff lead the day-to-day ministry of Berean, equipping and serving our church family while carrying out the mission and vision of the church under the spiritual oversight of the elders.

Selecting Elders

The Nominating Committee prayerfully identifies and evaluates elder candidates according to the biblical qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9, as well as the requirements outlined in Berean’s Constitution and Bylaws.

Following a process of prayer, interviews, and theological review, qualified candidates are recommended to the congregation for affirmation at the annual business meeting.

RECOMMEND AN ELDER CANDIDATE

Affiliation with Converge

Berean Baptist Church is affiliated with Converge, a movement of churches committed to helping people meet, know, and follow Jesus through church planting, global missions, leadership development, and ministry support.

While we gladly partner with other Converge churches in these shared efforts, Berean remains an autonomous local church governed by its congregation and elders under the authority of Christ and His Word.

Questions About Governance?

We believe healthy churches value transparency and accountability. If you’d like to review Berean’s Constitution and Bylaws or have questions about how our church is governed, we’d be happy to help.

ASK A QUESTION