Board of Elders
A cross Section of Elders
In Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), the Board of Elders is a leadership body responsible for the spiritual well-being and governance of the congregation. The Board of Elders is made up of the Pastorate and the Elders. The body functions as a crucial part of the church's hierarchy. The Board of Elders is led by the Ketu DCC Superintendent and has collective oversight of other church officers and committees.
Primary roles and responsibilities
The specific duties of the board can vary by individual church and zone, but they generally encompass the following:
- Spiritual oversight: Elders are responsible for the overall spiritual welfare of church members, as well as the pastors and staff.
- Shepherding the flock: Elders provide guidance, care, and counseling to church members, and are expected to be spiritually mature and dedicated to studying the Bible.
- Upholding doctrine: They are responsible for ensuring doctrinal purity within the church by teaching sound biblical doctrine and correcting false teachings.
- Church governance: Elders play a key role in the church’s administrative and business affairs, which may include establishing church policy and overseeing church ministries.
- Leadership selection: An Elder Board often has the authority to appoint and discharge pastoral staff, sometimes requiring approval from a higher regional or district authority.
- Discipline: Some constitutions specify that the Board of Elders acts as the Committee on Discipline for matters concerning members.
Structure within the CAC
Within the Christ Apostolic Church, the Board of Elders functions as a crucial part of the church’s hierarchy. For example: The Board of Elders is under the authority of a Superintendent but having collective oversight of other church officers and committees. The board is often mentioned alongside the pastorate, deaconesses, and other church bodies as part of the overall church leadership.
Board composition
The composition of the Board of Elders typically has specific requirements based on the church’s constitution and bylaws. The members are generally selected from within the congregation and are expected to meet certain qualifications, such as spiritual maturity and leadership skills. The board is often led by the Senior Pastor, or in some cases, an elder may be elected as chairman.