Elders are the leaders of the church who in the Bible are also called pastors, bishops, and overseers (”Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 5:2).”:http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2020:28;%20Ephesians%204:11;%201%20Peter%205:2&version=ESV The elders are men chosen for their ministry according to clear biblical requirements 1 Timothy 2:11-3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9">. The elders are always spoken of in plurality because God intends for more than one man to lead and rule over the church as a safeguard for both the church and the man. The elders’ duties include ruling 1 Timothy 5:17">, managing 1 Timothy 3:4-5">, tending 1 Peter 5:2-5">, giving account Hebrews 13:17">, living exemplary lives Hebrews 13:7">, using authority Acts 20:28">, teaching Ephesians 4:11, 1 Timothy 3:2">, preaching 1 Timothy 5:17">, doctrinal instruction Titus 1:9">, and discipline Matthew 18:15-17">.

The Journey is an Elder governed Church, not a Congregational/Member governed Church. It is our view that scripture does not call for the church to be run by the members in a democratic fashion but that it clearly teaches that the Elders are the directors, managers and overseers of the Church 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 5:17; Titus 1:7-9; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Acts 20:17-38">. This does not mean that the elders will not seek the input of the members when making decisions for the Church. It is the desire of the elders to be as open as possible with the members of the Church, and to seek as much input as possible from the members in order to make decisions that reflect the conscience, first of God and second of the membership of the body. It is the hope and prayer of the elders that we will lead The Journey in humility and with godly motives. We are always open to brotherly and sisterly discussion, criticism and/or advice, as long as it is done so in love. And we would appreciate your prayers for wisdom and discernment to lead The Journey in a manner that is holy and blameless.

While all of our elders must meet the same biblical requirements and they all serve the church by leading, our elders cannot all fulfill the same role or serve in the same area. The elders are organized into different teams, based on their individual gifts and positions. Here are the three types of elder teams that exist at The Journey:

Executive Elders

This team leads The Journey by setting the overall vision and strategy, overseeing the health and development of the entire church.

Board of Directors

This team ensures The Journey operates in accordance to the law while implementing best practices, policies and procedures regarding business, finances and facilities for a church of our size/complexity.

Campus Elders

These teams lead local gospel-centered, missional campuses of The Journey and ensure its overall health and development.

Meet The Journey Elders >>