• ELDERS AND DEACONS

ELDERS

• A body of "elders" or "overseers" within the local Church are responsible for its functioning under the direct leadership of the Holy Spirit. This follows the New Testament pattern as set down by the Apostles for the early church.
• Elders are men who by their Christian lives in accordance with New Testament Scriptures are recognised as servants, shepherds and/or teachers within the church fellowship.
• The body of elders are responsible before God to lead the church in matters regarding spiritual care, doctrine, teaching, vision and direction. New Testament Scriptures imply that it is the responsibility of current elders to recognise new elders whom the Holy Spirit has prepared and equipped for the task.
• The elders are continually considering those who are being so prepared and equipped. Failure to carry out eldership responsibilities according to Scripture would necessitate discontinued recognition of such an elder, at the discretion of the elders.
• Elders are available and meet regularly with church members to discuss current needs and issues.

     Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5 1-3.

 DEACONS

• The qualifications of deacons are similar to those for elders. Scripture does not specifically prescribe the role of deacons in the church, however, the word "deacon" literally means "servant".
• Using Acts 6 as a model, the role of deacons at Ulverstone Gospel Chapel is that of serving God and the church with the gifts God has given them, in areas of specific need under the leadership of the elders.
• The Ulverstone Gospel Chapel  recognises spiritually mature and responsible people. It also recognises other men and women who perform various similar functions in the fellowship. 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6:1-6.