“¹ This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” ² An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, ³ not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy— ⁴ one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity.  ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) ⁶ He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil. ⁷ Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil’s trap. ⁸ Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, ⁹ holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. ¹¹ Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything. ¹² Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. ¹³ For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”  (1 Timothy 3:1-13 )

• Why do we have Elders and Deacons?

“² Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to handle financial matters. ³ Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. ⁴ But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the preaching ministry.” (Acts 6:2-4 )

• How are the Elders and Deacons selected?

“ This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” (1 Timothy 3:1 )

God calls them. (Acts 20:28 ; Ephesians 4:11 )

Church members recognize their calling and recommend them. (Acts 6:5-6 )

Elders (Paul and Barnabas) appoints/chooses them. (Acts 14:23 )

At SVCC, the Elders and Deacons consider those who “aspire”  to be an  elder or deacon, with deacons being recommended by the congregation.

• What are the expectations of Elders and Deacons? See text: 1 Timothy 3:1-13 

* What is expected of their spouses? 1 Timothy 3:11 

• What are the responsibilities of our Elders and Deacons?

Elders:    

Ruben Ortega – Pastor & 1^st among the Elders (Teaching, Prayer, Member Care); Wife: Gayla      

Evan Merewether – Treasurer, Administrator, Prayer, Member Care; Wife: Blanca

Gary Johnson – Church Safety, Member Care; Wife: Judy

Julian Serrano –Church health, Member Care; Wife: Tarci

Deacons:

Jim Carlile – Deacon (Chair)

Dustin Martinez – Deacon; Wife: Jolene