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Mountain View Bible Church is governed solely by the Bible, God’s Word (I Timothy 3:15; II Timothy 3:16-17; Mark 7:13).
Therefore, we seek to conduct ministry by the teaching, principles, prescriptions, and patterns of the Bible, and are not bound by traditions, methods, individual preferences, or humanistic values, that undermine the Bible and effective church ministry.
Our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord Jesus is the leader of Mountain View Bible Church (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23-24; Colossians 1:18; I Peter 5:4; Revelation 2-3).
Therefore, all of our planning and ministry operations are to focus on submission to Jesus’ Lordship, His honor, glory, and direction for the Church. We seek to discern where Jesus is specifically working in our ministry, and then join Him in that work by His power, for His aim and glory (John 5:19-20).
Mountain View Bible Church is committed to fulfilling Jesus' mission for the church of making disciples (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8).
Therefore, disciple-making is not an appendage to ministry at Mountain View Bible, but rather is to be integrated into every service, gathering, and function of our church. Every ministry and every decision must be evaluated in light of Jesus' mission for the church!
The church offices of elder and deacon, functioning biblically are essential for the health of the church
(1Timothy 3:1-3; Titus 1:5-5-9; Acts 6:1-6; Hebrews 17:7&17).
Therefore, the following biblical specifics about elders guide our church:
Their title and number
The terms elder, overseer, and pastor are used interchangeably to speak of one office (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-7; I Peter 5: 1-2), and that each local church was pastored by a team of elders (Acts 14:23, 15:4). The title elder and the corresponding verbs are always plural when speaking of church leadership.
Their qualifications – Elders must be qualified in four areas:
Their Team Ministry
The elders will function as a shepherding team, providing shared leadership to the congregation, pastoral care, and instruction (1 Thessalonians 5:12; Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 5:2).
We further maintain that I Timothy 5:17-18 makes a clear distinction between vocational elders, whom we refer to as staff elders, and are financially remunerated for their ministry, and non-vocational elders who earn their living through means other than the eldership. It is our operational principle that both vocational staff elders and non-vocational elders are necessary for an effective and stable eldership to exist.
As ministry develops beyond the capacity of the non-vocational elders, staff elders may be sought from within, or outside the church. Both a ministry description and compensation package shall be set by the non-vocational elders for the staff elders. The compensation for staff elders shall be reviewed annually by the non-vocational elders. Consideration should be given to salary, allowances, vacation, sick leave, and education/enrichment leave.
Because we recognize that the public preaching and teaching of the Word of God is central to our worship (I Timothy 4:13; II Timothy 4:2), that adequate time is necessary for sermon preparation, and that formal theological and biblical training is an asset for such public speaking, the elder who fills the primary pulpit ministry should be a staff elder.
Although the elders act jointly and equally in authority, we maintain that one elder will emerge as “first among equals.” He will be first in the sense that his gifts, dedication, training, and abilities will bring influence and direction to the body of elders, but equal in that he has no more authority than the other elders. This principle is seen in Acts 21:18 and Galatians 2:12. It is recognized that most often the lead elder will be a staff elder who by training, calling, and availability will be best prepared to give the needed direction to the body of elders. However, there is no reason why God cannot provide such leadership in a non-vocational elder. It is expected that the body of elders will affirm God’s choice in this matter.
Their Selection and Dismissal
Potential elders, both staff and non-vocational, will be selected and interviewed by the existing body of elders to determine their spiritual qualifications for the eldership. Those candidates approved by the elders will be presented to the church membership for their affirmation. An elder candidate needs to be approved by a 75% affirmation of the congregation.
Non-vocational elders will be called to a three-year term and may serve consecutive subsequent terms, providing the elder remains willing and qualified.
Staff elders, called from outside our local church, are called to an indefinite term, provided they remain willing and qualified to serve.
Should it become necessary to dismiss an elder, the guidelines of I Timothy 5:19-20 and Matthew 18:15-17 will be followed. An elder whose ministry competence is not deemed adequate according to the elders, may be released from his ministry by the elders. When a staff elder is dismissed from his ministry, the elders will give appropriate consideration of severance in line with the church budget.
The Specifics about Deacons
The New Testament lists no specified duties for deacons. However, their title implies that they are servants. Deacons are to work in close association with the elders, receiving from them delegated tasks and authority in areas of need. Deacons are to relieve the elders in tasks that are essential to the church's welfare thus enabling the elders to shepherd the church (Acts 6:1-6). Care will be taken by the elders to match individual deacons with tasks that best suit the deacon's abilities, gifts, and interests, to allow each deacon to serve to his fullest capacity with joy.
The selection of deacons will follow the biblical pattern of Acts 6:1 6. The membership will select as deacon candidates those male church members they perceive to have a servant's attitude and who meet the spiritual qualifications of Acts 6:3 and I Timothy 3:8-13. The elders will interview the deacon candidates. Those men who are qualified will be presented to the congregation for their approval by a 75% affirmation. A deacon will serve a two year term, and may serve an unlimited number of terms provided he remains willing and qualified.
Church membership is synonymous with commitment.
Understanding Church Membership - Two key verses clarify the nature and beauty of Church membership:
The Procedure for Membership
Any believer desiring to unite with this church should contact one of the elders for a membership interview. The prospective member will be interviewed by a minimum of two church officers (elder or deacon), to determine the validity of their salvation, baptism, and commitment to this body. They should be in accord with the tenor of doctrine and philosophy of Mountain View Bible Church, and show a willingness to be involved in the ministry of the church. We understand that involvement in the body comes in varying degrees depending upon the person's maturity and life situation. We want each believer to be motivated by the grace and love of Jesus to be as fully and active as they can in the life of the church as possible.
Following the membership interview the prospective member will be presented for membership before the congregation. At that time the perspective member will be encouraged to share briefly:
Upon completing their testimony, the congregation will be asked to affirm their love and acceptance of the new member. Thus, the membership procedure is to be a powerful expression of love, acceptance, and commitment from both the new member and the Mountain View church family!
The Privilege of Church Membership
Active members of Mountain View Bible Church have the privileges of speaking in family meetings, holding ministry positions of teaching and leadership, and voting when affirmation of the membership is called for per our church’s constitution.
Discipline of Members
Members of Mountain View Bible Church understand that when a believer continues in serious and unrepentant sin that is devastating to them, the Church, and their families, they will fall under the four step process of discipline as revealed in Matthew 18:15-17. The purposes of this process is to restore the sinning believer (Galatians 6:1), and to keep the church pure (I Corinthians 5:1-8).
Removal of Members
Membership may be terminated by request of the member seeking dismissal, providing they are not in any stage of the church discipline process. Membership may also be terminated by church discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-17, joining another church, moving from our area, or inactivity. Any member who does not attend services at least 50% of the time, in a six month period, without reasonable excuse, will be removed from membership. Prior to removal, the elders and the church will encourage the absent member to renewed participation.
The Church conducts ministry, planning and major decisions as a family and biblical community, not as a business organization (I John 4:7; Philippians 2:1-4; Romans 12:9-10, 15:7; Ephesians 4:1-3).
To ensure the family unity and operation of the church we teach:
A study of Acts 6:1-6; Acts 15; I Corinthians 16:3; II Corinthians 8:19 and many other verses in the epistles indicate that the congregation’s participation is central in decision making. Therefore, the elders are to look for input from the congregation, and to keep them informed. As a godly father considers family decisions in light of the needs of each family member, so must the elders. In all major church decisions, the elders must inform the congregation and cultivate an environment of open communication. The elders and the congregation must seek to act as a unified body. When assembled, the elders will seek to lead the congregation in discerning the Lord's will. If the elders and congregation sense a division among godly members, a decision may need to be postponed for further discussion and prayer.
Though the congregation is involved before and during major church decisions, they will also be asked to affirm by a 75% approval:
In summary we believe that the operation of the New Testament church should follow a family model that is elder-led, deacon-served, and congregation-involved!
Ministry Leaders and other staff positions
The elders may appoint individuals/committees to serve as leaders of the various ministries in the church. Appointments are made on an annual basis, with a job description and periodic meeting for accountability. Ministry leaders must be active members, godly in character, and in agreement with the doctrine and philosophy of our church. They need to be team players who are humble servants and submit to the biblical oversight of the elders. The elders may appoint paid staff positions in line with the approved budget as the need arises. Salary packages are at the discretion of the elders, in keeping with the proposed budget. Paid staff shall be accountable to the elders of the church. Positions may open or close at the discretion of the elders.
Selection and support of missionaries
The following six criteria will guide our selection for long-term regular support of missionaries:
Church Family Meetings
The church's fiscal year shall be January 1st to December 31st. An annual meeting will be held at the beginning of the fiscal year and include a review of the previous year's financial report, and a presentation of the new year's goals and budget, the affirming of new officers, and any other new items for the congregation's consideration. The elders may call special church family meetings as specific issues arise throughout the year.
Church Finances
The elders are responsible for drafting the annual budget to be presented to the congregation for their approval.
The deacons and other godly members of the church, under the authority of the elders, are responsible for recording and depositing the church offerings. The elders are responsible for authorizing the disbursement of funds in accordance with the church budget.
The elders will appoint a godly member as church treasurer. The treasurer keeps an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements. The treasurer prepares monthly financial reports for the elders and the congregation.
Special Status
In the event that there are not enough qualified elders to oversee the church, the elders will seek advice and assistance from the deacons and/or godly men of the congregation.
Legal Items
The elders are the trustees of our non-profit religious corporation and may make the necessary appointment of offices to accommodate our legal bylaws.
In the event of the dissolution of Mountain View Bible Church, the trustees shall satisfy all debts and distribute the remaining assets to other non-profit organizations of like faith.
