Leadership Community Qualifications: A First Draft We Identify Five

Leadership Community Qualifications: a first draft We identify five stages of spiritual formation within church life at Heritage: Attenders

These are those that God has brought to us, mostly through our weekend services. Some are not yet followers of Jesus; some are already followers of Jesus. Participating These are those attenders that have chosen to commit to Heritage being Members their church, along with all the privileges and responsibilities that come with Heritage being their community of faith. Leadership These are those members who through desire and qualification in character Community and service, have entered into the community of those who together work to accomplish the mission of Heritage. Deacons & These are those leaders who have been invited into specific processes of Pastoral equipping for leadership roles within the church as a whole. Interns Pastors & These are the leaders of the church, working together to govern and Elders shepherd the flock of God among us At Heritage, our expectation is that those who constitute the leadership community of the church demonstrate & are in pursuit of most if not all of the following qualifications: 1. Bible a. A clear understanding of the gospel and the capacity to help others come to a clear understanding of it, starting from wherever b. A firm grasp of our statement of faith 2. Character a. Does life in the company of friends (community & accountability) (Hebrews 10:24-25). b. Relationally and emotionally mature (able to build trust, encourage others, resolve conflict, speak the truth in love, extend grace, maintain healthy friendships and family relationships). (Ephesians 4 & 5) c. Capable and available (Exodus 18:20-26 NIV and NLT) d. Faithfully serves in the church without regard for position or reward. (Mark 10:43-45) e. Displays integrity (Job; Psalm 78:72) f. Teachable (Proverbs 1:5; 9:9) g. Hard working, diligent, faithful , reliable (Colossians 3:23 & 2 Timothy 2:2) h. Respected by others as a faithful follower of Jesus (Matt 5:16, 1 Thess 4:12) 3. Walk with God a. Consistent and genuine connection with God sustained in the Word, in prayer, worship, both alone and in community 4. People a. Having a genuine affection for people, demonstrated in relationship b. The ability to lead people well with gentleness & respect c. The ability to follow other leaders well, with humility & integrity 5. Service a. Has served well in the volunteer/servant ministry of the church – tested, proven, reliable, dependable b. Does all things as “unto the Lord”