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Leadership Team Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the team exist?
The Edge Community Leadership Team exists to fulfill the function of elders (also called presbyters, bishops, or overseers depending on your translation) as seen in the New Testament. The picture of elders that we see in the New Testament is one of leadership: elders are the leaders of the local church (1 Timothy 5:17). Under the headship of Jesus Christ, they rule the church through their service as spiritual guides, teachers, and overseers.
How can I join the team?
If you desire to be an elder, and meet the Biblical requirements for eldership, we would love to have you join the Leadership Team. If you're interested in joining the team and believe you are qualified to do so, please speak to a member of the Leadership Team about your desire!
For more information about the process and requirements for becoming a Leadership Team member (elder) at Edge Community, please view the complete "Elder Candidates Process" document
Who's the pastor here?
We strive to allow everyone with the gift of pastoring to pastor as God leads. Because of this, we can truly say that Edge Community has many pastors. A common misconception in churches today is that every church must have a "head pastor." But a pastor in the Biblical sense is simply a person with the gift of pastoring (or "shepherding"). If you look at it this way, it is obvious that churches should generally have more than one pastor, since one person cannot possibly do all of the shepherding required in a flock of 100 or 200 people.
Another common misconception is that elders are the same as pastors in the New Testament. But a basic reading of scripture (apart from pre-conceived notions based on today's church models) shows us that elders and pastors are NOT the same thing in the New Testament. "Elder" refers to the office one holds by virtue of appointment or election; "pastoring" is a spiritual gift that one is given by the Holy Spirit (cf. Eph 4:11; 1 Cor 12:7-11). One can have the gift of pastoring without being an elder; and one can hold the office of elder without having the gift of pastor.
The Leadership Team has no "head" except Christ, and Edge Community also has no "senior pastor."
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