Village Governance

Led By Christ, Independent Fellowship

First and foremost, the members, leaders, and staff of Village recognize that we are all under the authority of Jesus Christ and the Scriptures.  (Read more about the profile of a Villager.)  Village is neither Elder Rule nor Congregational Rule but Elder led. Elders are elected by the congregation to provide leadership and shepherding, working with the staff to accomplish the vision of the church.

Comprised of Members in a Covenant Community

Village, then, is governed by congregational members, part of a covenant community, who are charged with voting on major church decisions such as budget, master plan, renovation, new construction, ordaining and licensing pastors, buying/selling land or building, and electing church leadership.  Members are Villagers who follow Jesus, affirm the Village Doctrine, have entered in to a covenant with Village, and have participated in the one-time believer’s baptism as an outward demonstration of their salvation.

Represented and Led By Elder Board

Village members elect Elders to serve with the Lead Pastor on the Elder Board.  I Timothy 3 does an excellent job defining the qualifications for serving as an Elder.  While no one is perfect, we do hold our Elders to a higher standard.

The Elder Board oversees pastoral staff, ministry directors, appointed deacons, commissions, and committees.  Elders are charged with guarding, correcting, leading Village in the mission and vision of Village, teaching, praying, and nurturing those who attend Village.  For example, the Elder Board reviews the church strategic ministry plan annually and reviews ministry operating plans quarterly to assure the implementation of the Village vision by staff.  The Board also represents Village to external agencies as well the government.

Under the oversight of the Elder Board, Village has a number of committees and commissions to aid in the function of Village.  The following is a representative list:

• Executive Committee – oversees and administers properties and funds, appoints search committees to fill key leadership vacancies (ongoing committee)
• Financial Stewardship Commission – oversees finances and property, prepares and reports on the budget, motivates Village to Godly stewardship (ongoing committee)
• Personnel Commission – oversee employee policies and procedures (ongoing committee)
• Nominating Committee – responsible for qualifying candidates for leadership positions prior to bringing them before the congregation for vote (appointed annually)
• Search Committee - responsible for searching for and qualifying candidates for pastoral positions (organized as needed)

Village Elder Board manages membership (additions, drops, etc.).  The Board also serves as the last stop for church discipline and dispute resolution.  While Villagers are encouraged to resolve disputes one to one first, there is provision for escalation within the church to find resolution. (Matthew 18:15-17)

For a more complete description of Village governance, please read Bylaws 2010.