Church government
Authority
We recognize four kinds of authority in the church: 1. The absolute authority of Christ; 2. The delegated
authority of the Lead Pastor; 3. The advisory authority of the leadership team and presbytery; and 4. The
priestly authority of the people. The church functions as a theocracy, not a democracy.
authority of the Lead Pastor; 3. The advisory authority of the leadership team and presbytery; and 4. The
priestly authority of the people. The church functions as a theocracy, not a democracy.
lead pastor
Spiritual overseer of the church & directs all activities. The Pastor is required to feed the flock (John
21:15-17) & to take oversight of the church (I Peter 5:2-3)
21:15-17) & to take oversight of the church (I Peter 5:2-3)
Advisory Presbytery
Provides a spiritual covering by prayerfully giving necessary aid, comfort, instruction, guidance,
protection, & corrective discipline to the Lead Pastor (II Timothy 3:16,17; Acts 15) Can be called upon by
the Pastor to give counsel, advice, and recommendations to settle internal conflicts and disputes. The
current members of the Advisory Presbytery are Pastor John Chapman and Pastor Richard Hilton.
protection, & corrective discipline to the Lead Pastor (II Timothy 3:16,17; Acts 15) Can be called upon by
the Pastor to give counsel, advice, and recommendations to settle internal conflicts and disputes. The
current members of the Advisory Presbytery are Pastor John Chapman and Pastor Richard Hilton.
Leadership team
The Leadership Team is made up of elders & pastors on staff at Calvary Church. They are an extension
of the Pastor in the spiritual guidance of the church. Elders/Pastors must qualify in accordance with I
Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, I Corinthians 6:19-20, 10:33, II Corinthians 6:17, and Acts 13:2
of the Pastor in the spiritual guidance of the church. Elders/Pastors must qualify in accordance with I
Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, I Corinthians 6:19-20, 10:33, II Corinthians 6:17, and Acts 13:2
deacons
Deacons play a vital role in the spiritual and practical ministry of the church. Deacons assist in the
serving of communion and other ushering duties. They visit the sick, the aged and the poor, and those
members that need the service of the church. They also visit visitors to the church. Deacons assist in
the maintenance of the church building and grounds and in general are responsible for attending &
serving those duties as appointed by the Lead Pastor. Deacons must qualify in accordance with Acts 6:1-
6 and I Timothy 8:8-13.
serving of communion and other ushering duties. They visit the sick, the aged and the poor, and those
members that need the service of the church. They also visit visitors to the church. Deacons assist in
the maintenance of the church building and grounds and in general are responsible for attending &
serving those duties as appointed by the Lead Pastor. Deacons must qualify in accordance with Acts 6:1-
6 and I Timothy 8:8-13.
trustees
Trustees are responsible for the business matters of the church relating to church property, church
annual budget, church bylaws, financial oversight etc. Financial matters are discussed openly among the
trustees.
annual budget, church bylaws, financial oversight etc. Financial matters are discussed openly among the
trustees.
leadership "huddle"
The huddle is representative of people in the church who are involved in various ministry capacities.
Included in the huddle are the deacons, elders, trustees, worship leader, youth leader, etc. The huddle
meets regularly to “hear the heart” of the pastor and to discuss needs of those within the church in
addition to upcoming dates/events.
Included in the huddle are the deacons, elders, trustees, worship leader, youth leader, etc. The huddle
meets regularly to “hear the heart” of the pastor and to discuss needs of those within the church in
addition to upcoming dates/events.