Church Structure

Importance of the Church Structure

Stability in the church leads to harmony and security in people’s lives. As churches become a home and family for people it is vital that the structure of the church is designed properly.

A good church structure is:

  • Biblically based
  • Allows the Senior Pastor to lead
  • Encourages others to minister
  • Has adequate safeguards to protect the integrity of the church

Structure of Crossroads

Elders

An elder is a biblical term for the office of pastors. An elder should be gifted by the Holy Spirit in teaching and leading. 1 Tim 3:1-7 Deacons: The office of deacon is for men who are gifted by the Holy Spirit to lead in service type of gifts. 1 Tim 3:8-13

Our Elders have the ultimate responsibility of the direction of the church. The Elders oversee all Biblical instruction and prayer ministries. Each Elder has equal voting responsibility and the Senior Pastor is the chief administrator and oversees the Pulpit ministry.

Deacons

Under their authority the deacons oversee the many important matters that would otherwise distract the Elders from their ministry of teaching and prayer. Deacons oversee financial matters, service and benevolence, maintenance of the building and proposed building planning, and other ministries that are service centered.

Ministry Leaders

Crossroads also functions with ministry leaders. Ministry leaders are appointed to head up some aspect of ministry at our church. An example would be the leader of the women’s ministry or children’s ministries. These leaders are given authority to direct their ministry as God directs them. They are responsible for approving expenditures of the budget for their ministry and overseeing the day-to-day functions of that ministry. Ministry leaders who are involved in teaching ministries report to the Elders directly. Ministry leaders who are involved in service ministries report to the deacons.

In any controversy, the Elders of Crossroads have the final decision.

We are convinced that this is the biblical pattern.

The deacons are elected by the congregation for 3 year terms. The elders are elected by the board of Elders and ratified by a congregational vote.