The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:1-3).

We believe there is salvation in none other than Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). Our goal is to teach as many others as we can the good news that Jesus died for all mankind. We believe the Bible is the only guide to tell man what he needs to do to be saved. We strive to teach only what the Bible teaches and no more or no less (Revelation 22:18-19).

As the elders or shepherds of Eagle Way, we strive to make a place for all individuals and their talents. There is work for everyone who seeks to serve God. We seek to encourage one another to live for God (Hebrews 3:13-14). All things are bound together by our love for God and love for one another (John 15:12-14).

We believe that we are to be lights unto the world, and our lights will bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16) by those who see them. Our ultimate goal is to spend eternity with God and His children (Revelation 2:10).

At Eagle Way Church of Christ, we believe that marriage is a sacred institution as stated in God's word. Genesis 2:24 tells us that God instituted marriage, and, in Mark 10: 3-10, Jesus reaffirmed marriage between a male and a female. The Bible teaching prohibits sexual contact outside of marriage between a male and a female whether it is adultery, fornication, homosexuality, or bestiality. Revelation 21:8 tells the result for those who practice such things. The Church is told in many places, including I John 3:3, to keep itself pure. Those who practice sexual immorality would be required to repent to be a part of our membership. lf one of our members becomes involved in such conduct, church discipline would be applied in the prayerful hope the member would repent.

The Elders

Joe Cook (joe@eaglewaychurchofchrist.net)

David Carver (david@eaglewaychurchofchrist.net)

It's always good to know we are carrying out this ministry according to the Bible. Here a few scriptures that help guide and encourage us as we in turn seek to be as effective as possible in guiding the congregation.

Authorization

A. Acts 14:23 – “So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commanded them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”

B. Titus 1:5 – “For this reason I left you in Crete that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.”

C. Acts 20:17 – “From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.”

Qualifications

A. I Timothy 3 and Titus 1

Blameless, Husband of one wife, Sober minded, Hospitable, Able to teach, Not given to wine, Not violent but gentle, Not greedy for money, Has submissive children.

B. I Timothy 3

Temperate (v2), Of good behavior (v2), Not quarrelsome (v3). Not covetous (v3), Rules own house well (v4), Not a novice (v6), Has a good testimony (v7)

C. Titus 1

Not self willed (v2), Not quick tempered (v7), A lover of what is good (v8), Just (v8), Holy (v8), Self controlled (v8)

Responsibilities

A. To “shepherd” God’s church – feed, guide, lead, and nurture.

Acts 20:28 – “Therefore, take heed to yourselves and all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with His own blood.”

I Peter 5:2 – “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers . . .”

B. To administer or rule God’s Church

I Timothy 5:17 – “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.”

Titus 1: 5 – “For this reason I left you in Crete that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.”

C. To teach and preach

Ephesians 4:12 – “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

D. To represent the Church

Acts 20:17 – “From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.”

E. To pray for the Sick

James 5:14 – “Is any among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord."