On January 23, 2021, the members of Village Baptist Church voted to approve the Leadership Proposal developed and discussed over the past 18 months, receiving an 85% approval from the congregation. For more information on our proposed changes, you can revisit our updates page and read the approved By-Laws.

Now that the By-Laws are approved, we are ready to approve both elder candidates, and new deacons. But what do next steps look like? We have different requirements for elders and deacons.

Elder Candidates

Over the past year, Pastor Brian and Pastor Bob have been training three elder candidates: Albert Yalung, David Nwosu, and Ben Smith. This training has focused on theological preparation, pastoral care and teaching competencies. We are confident in their capacity, and believe they will be well-suited to serve as elders at Village, alongside the staff pastors. For them to be called as elders, three things need to happen.

They Will Preach. First, each elder candidate will preach a sermon, so that the congregation will be able to hear how they handle the Scriptures, in line with the requirement that any elder be “able to teach” (1 Tim. 3). We are planning a special three service Sunday on March 21. Each candidate will preach at a different service. The sermons will be recorded, and Village members are invited to review each sermon as they are able.

The Church Will Interview Them. It is important that the church gain an opportunity to question and interview the elder candidates. We will hold an all-church meeting (in-person and live-streamed) on April 11. The congregation will have an opportunity to ask questions about doctrine, pastoral practice, personal convictions—any questions which may be relevant to their fitness in serving in this office.

The Membership Will Vote. Finally, at our 1Q Members’ Meeting on April 25, a formal motion for approval will be put forward. The Village membership will be given the opportunity to approve or not approve each candidate. If they are approved, the elder candidates will begin serving immediately.

Deacons

According to our recently approved By-Law changes, deacons are called by the church to specific areas of service. These deacons are responsible to see that these areas of ministry are functioning, resourced and growing in effectiveness and fruitfulness.

Our deacons operate on a need-basis. That is, roles will be created on the basis of particular needs within the church. These areas are not limited to one deacon per role. Both roles and number of deacons are need-based.

If at any time the church determines that we need a deacon to oversee an additional area, the role may be created by the pastors, and filled by the congregation. If we determine that we need 2 or more deacons serving in a particular area, additional deacons may be called by the congregation to fill that role.

Below is a list of Deacon Roles that need to be filled. You may nominate any member in good standing (man or woman) from Village, or you may nominate yourself at this link. Church leadership will review the nominations and approach individuals as determined. The congregation will vote on specific individuals to fill the Deacon Roles at the First Quarter Members Meeting on April 25.

The congregation will be notified of recommendations, and will vote on the appointments at our 1Q Members’ meeting on April 25.

When all deacons are approved, the current deacon team will be dissolved, and the By-Laws fully implemented.

• Deacon of Property

  The Deacon of Property oversees our Property Team. The Deacon of Property and the Property Team oversee the building and grounds at Village. This includes developing improvement and maintenance plans (and budgets), recruiting volunteers for property maintenance, and interfacing with contractors as-needed.

• Deacon of Children's Ministry

  The Deacon of Children’s Ministry assists the elders by coordinating volunteer helpers in our nursery, mid-week programs, Children’s Church, and other children-oriented programs.

• Deacon of Women's Ministry

  The Deacon of Women’s Ministry assists the elders by coordinating planning events and help promote programs serving the women at Village.

• Deacon of Men's Ministry

  The Deacon of Men’s Ministry assists the elders by coordinating planning events and help promote programs serving the men at Village.

• Deacon of Technology

  The Deacon of Technology assists with IT concerns, video production, etc.

• Deacon of Finances

  The Deacon of Finances oversees our Counting Team to ensure accurate accounting at Village, assist in check-signing and manage contribution collection on Sunday mornings. Additionally, the Deacon of Finances will be intimately familiar with VBCMF operations. We anticipate 1-3 deacons serving in this capacity. The deacon(s) of finances will oversee and interact with our counting team and treasurer.