elders

 

The Elder Team is an indispensable part of Ironwood Church. While the Scriptures describe the character and basic functions of elders, many of the details about how an Elder Team should function are not described. In God’s wisdom, this allows a local church to adapt its leadership structure on the basis of its needs, size, location, context, staff, etc. Details and specifics are necessarily different at every local church.

 

    • Jesus is the Senior Leader of the church. He builds and sustains it. It’s his church.

    • Having godly, courageous, skilled, and unified leadership is essential to the health of the church.

    • Elders are the male leaders of the church who are synonymously called pastors, bishops, and overseers throughout the New Testament. While the various words are used interchangeably, they each refer to a differing aspect of the same role in the same office. Therefore, the elder team will consist of both paid and unpaid elders.

    • Elder is an office, not an identity. The elders are those officially serving on the team.

    • A person does not need to be an elder in order to have influence or leadership in the church. There will be some excellent leaders who do not hold the office of elder.

    • Eldership should be a great joy and a life-giving experience. It need not be destructive to a man’s spiritual vitality, family, ministry, or quality of life.

    • As the church grows in size and complexity (additional staff, ministries, campuses, etc), the structure and function of the elder team will need to experience change and reorganization. For example, the addition of additional paid elders will likely make it increasingly difficult to keep unpaid elders “in the loop,” and may require a change of roles and expectations.

    • The leadership structure of the church must be flexible enough to get the right people to the table for any given decision.

    • Elders must consistently demonstrate the qualities described in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

      For a more detailed explanation of these qualities, see Gene Getz, Elders and Leaders. Note regarding some of the more controversial qualities: (1) We take “able to teach” to mean an effective Bible communicator in a group setting. This does not mean “able to wow an auditorium full of people,” but it does mean “able to communicate in a practical, accurate, clear, and engaging way with at least a small group of people.” (2) We take “husband of one wife” to mean a one-woman man. Men who have experienced divorce must be considered on a case-by-case basis. (3) We take “submissive children” and “children who believe (faithful)” to mean that the man has been successful in raising obedient, honorable children. The specific outworking of this in any man’s life will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    • In addition to godly character, elders must demonstrate competency (the skills involved in leading ministry) and commitment, as well as share a high level of chemistry with the existing elders. This does not mean that the elders will all have the same personalities, temperaments, or gifts, but it does mean that they will have the ability to joyfully work together as committed ministry partners.

    • Elders need to have attended Ironwood Church for at least one year with a consistent track record of servanthood, ministry fruitfulness, and faithful giving to the church.

  • 1. Be on Watch for Trouble (Acts 20:29-31; Hebrews 13:17)

    • Individually be grounded in the Scripture and connected to the Spirit so that we know what trouble looks like

    • Exercise church discipline on unrepentant Christians

    • Evaluate our mistakes and, if necessary, take steps to correct them

    2. Oversee the Church (1 Peter 5:2; 1 Timothy 5:17)

    • Guard the church’s Doctrine, Mission, Vision, and Values

    • Maintain responsibility for financial integrity of church through review and approval of top-level budget expenditures

    • Engage in the long range planning for facilities

    • Approve and send church planters

    3. Tend to the Needs of the Flock (Acts 20:28)

    • Regularly attend worship gatherings and be involved in the mainstream flow of church life

    • Lead, teach, and minister in your sphere of influence

    • Develop additional leaders in the church

    • Pray regularly for the church

    • Pray for the sick (sometimes anointing with oil) as requested

    4. Live the Normal Christian Life (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:3)

    • We do not ask others to go where we have not been

    • Model through our:

    - Devotional disciplines to God

    - Family life

    - Vocational life

    - Church life

    - Financial stewardship

  • Pray regularly for the congregation and staff. Like priests who go before God on behalf of the people, one of their primary ways to serve the church is through intercession.

    Keep a finger on the pulse of the congregation. Like shepherds who smell like sheep, they should know people, love people, and have a sense of what is happening in the lives of people.

    Provide wise counsel to Lead Pastor and senior staff. Like godly sages, they are able to offer perspective that is easy to miss in the day-to-day of ministry.

    Be a crisis team in waiting. Provide the church the security of knowing that if a genuine crisis hits, we’re ready. Like firefighters playing cards in the firehouse, they are prepared, connected, and ready if the bell should ring — and some days, bored enough almost to wish it would ring.

    Approve the big-picture budget. Like a board of directors for a company that is responsible for the overall budget and financial well-being but trusts a hired team of managers to steward allocated resources wisely, the elders set the parameters and give freedom to the staff to use resources in ways that are good and responsible.

    Carry out church discipline, in harmony with pastoral staff. Like parents, they step in and discipline wayward members as needed — with the intention to restore them into fellowship with Jesus and the church.

    Entrust ministry design and day-to-day leadership to Lead Pastor and staff. Like the owner of a sports franchise, they set the tone and empower the GM and coaches to succeed.

    Hold the keys of accountability. Should something go amiss with the Lead Pastor or staff, the elders can step in. Like brakes, they can immediately stop something that shouldn’t be happening (though brakes shouldn’t be ridden constantly).

  • Mutual submission. The Lead Pastor functions as the “first among equals,” and the entire elder team submits to one another on the basis of strengths, passions and giftedness.

    Unity is a High Priority. Unity must include theological agreement about what doctrines we will and will not fight over, relational warmth and sincere friendships (they like being together), philosophical agreement regarding what ministry methods will and will not be used, and a missional partnership that agrees to stay on task to fulfill God’s mission for Redemption Gateway.

    Big-Picture Leadership. The elder team’s authority over the whole congregation rests in the team as a whole. Individual board members do not have authority over the whole church (though they will often have authority over their specific areas of ministry). The elder team should focus on the big-picture mission, doctrine, ministry principles, and vision of the church rather than the details of implementation. The elder team is responsible for creating the future, not minding the shop. Additionally, team members are responsible first and foremost for the health and well-being of the church as a whole and are not representatives or advocates of specific ministries or groups. Outside of elder team decisions, individual elders must honor, submit to, and work through the appropriate chain of command and leadership in any given ministry area.

    Choose to Trust. The elder team will choose to trust each other, rather than suspect each other. We will develop a culture of trust, built on these six commitments:

    I will believe the best about my fellow elders (including other congregations)

    When other people assume the worst about you, I will come to your defense.

    If what I experience begins to erode my trust, I will come directly to you to talk about it.

    When I am convinced I will not be able to deliver on a promise, I will come to you ahead of time.

    When you confront me about the gaps I’ve created, I will tell you the truth.

    I will openly share warnings or disagreements when a decision is being considered, but I will champion and defend the decision after it is made.

    Candid Communication. The elder team expects open, candid communication between team members and during team meetings. The elder team requires gospel-rooted security and thick skin that enables us to share our thoughts candidly and, when necessary, fight like family. This will allow team members to share openly and offer warnings or disagreements while a decision is being considered, but then champion and defend the decision after it is made.

    Relationships Nurture Trust. It is always easier to believe the best and trust men with whom you have relational warmth and sincere friendship. Elders should invest in one another relationally and cultivate the kinds of authentic friendships that we would call our people to embrace. This does not mean that elders need to be best friends, spend lots of free time together, or have each other over for dinner all the time. But it does mean that each elder is responsible to cultivate healthy relationships with the other elders.

    For an Elder’s Wife, Ignorance is Bliss. Elders should share information with their wives on a need-to-know basis. It is unwise and unfair to burden an elder’s wife with the weight of leadership and information about certain people or decisions. An elder’s wife should be able to go to any church event and genuinely think the best of anyone she meets.

  • The Elder Process consists of six steps.

    1. Establish an Observable Track Record — Establish a known track record serving, leading and giving at Ironwood Church with demonstrated leadership skills and observable fruit in ministry, marriage and family life.

    2. Nomination Phase — The Elder Team may nominate and approach certain men whom the team thinks should prayerfully consider being an elder. When a Ironwood Church member senses an internal call from the Holy Spirit to serve as an elder/pastor, he should make his desire known to the current Elder Team. Those men will confirm the calling and give further direction.

    3. Applicant Phase — The Elder Team will assign each applicant a supervising elder, who will answer questions and be the primary point of contact for the applicant as he submits information, answers questions, and meets for a formal interview (with his wife).

    4. Candidate Phase — Once a man has had his qualifications confirmed by the elders, he may enter a phase of preparation and evaluation for the specific work of eldership. This phase involves intentional mentorship by the current elders, study related to the roles, responsibilities and functions of elders, and participation in Elder Team meetings. In addition to preparing the candidate, the primary goal is to gauge the candidate’s fit and chemistry with the team. The time required to complete this phase will vary by individual.

    5. Approval Phase — The candidate is brought before the congregation and the members of Ironwood Church will be invited to give feedback about his life, conduct, and character. If a member is aware of any disqualifying sin or character flaw in an elder candidate, he or she will be urged to make the matter known to the existing elders, who will investigate the claim. Members will have a 4-week window in which to bring any concerns.

    6. Installation — Following the satisfactory completion of all requirements, new elders will be installed publicly at a Ironwood Church worship gathering.

Email the Elders at: elders@ironwoodchurch.org

  • Luke Simmons

    Lead Pastor

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    I’ve been married to Molly since 2001. We have three daughters, Abby, Caitlin and Mary and one son, Hank. We like to laugh, play, swim, watch football, and learn.

    Without Jesus, my life has been marked by arrogance, selfishness, and pride. I took pride in my morality and looked down on others who didn’t seem as good as me. God took ahold of my life through a neighbor who invested in my life as a 17 year old and challenged me to read the book of John with him, where I encountered who Jesus really is. Jesus is my treasure because he rescued me from the guilt, shame and punishment of sin that I deserve and he gave me new life in him. He is the King of kings and I want to live for him. Jesus is changing my life now by allowing me to see that I never outgrow my need for him. I am more sinful than I ever dared believe, and more loved and accepted by Jesus than I ever dared hope.

    I graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.A. in Speech Communication, where I played baseball and married the prettiest girl on the swim team. I also have an M.A. in Missional Theology from Covenant Theological Seminary, in partnership with the Missional Training Center in Tempe, AZ.

  • Seth Troutt

    Teaching Pastor

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    I have been married to Taylor since 2013. We have a son and a dog. We like pizza and CrossFit.

    I have a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, have a master’s degree from Phoenix Seminary, and a doctorate degree from Covenant Theological Seminary.

  • Matthew Braselton

    Executive Pastor

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    I married my wonderful wife Kristie in 2001, and we are blessed with 5 crazy kids: Bethany, Harper, Benjamin, Judah, and Shiloh.

    God graciously saved me at a very young age, and the faith of my youth carried me through some very difficult times in my family growing up. Through high school and college, God continued to grow me as he tried, tested, and refined my faith and knowledge of Him. I have been serving in ministry since 1998, and vocationally since 2004. God continues to show me more and more of my sin as I mature in Him, but He also shows me more and more of Himself and His grace that covers me, for which I am eternally grateful!

    I have a B.A. in Finance and an M.B.A. from Arizona State University, as well as an M.A. in Missional Theology from Covenant Seminary, in partnership with the Missional Training Center.

  • john kronwald

    Adult Discipleship Pastor

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    I am so blessed to be married to my long-time friend and high-school sweetheart, Lindsay. We have four kids: Jack, Emma, James, & Kate. We play hard and laugh often!

    I’m so thankful to have been raised by parents that loved Jesus deeply. Growing up in the church, I had many people teaching me the truths of God week after week. God used all of those influences in the home and in the church to grab a hold of my heart at a young age. By the time I finished high school I really saw my relationship with Jesus deepen. I began to own my faith and live it out even when it was costly. God used (and continues to use) people and circumstances to refine me, stretch me, and grow me more and more into the image of his Son.

  • Geoffrey Wilcoxson

    Lay Elder

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    I married my wife Darcy over 17 years ago after meeting her at Northern Arizona University. We have four kids, 3 boys and a girl. We are currently foster parents for newborns up to 1 year old.

    Being raised in a Christian home, I knew the stories and who Jesus was yet he didn’t invade my heart with the truth of the Gospel until my junior year of college. It is sobering when I knew my sin separated me from Jesus and I needed a savior. I am thankful He continues to grow me and reveal how wonderful He is to me.

  • Bruce Gilmore

    Lay Elder

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    My wife, Julie, and I have been married for 35 years. We grew up in Gallup, New Mexico and have know each other for most of our lives. I was in the U.S. Air Force and started our married life in Grand Forks, North Dakota. After my military service, we moved to Arizona where I attended ASU and earned a business degree. We have three children, Eric, Corey and Emily. We were blessed to have Julie be a full-time mom and are now enjoying the empty-nest phase of life. Both Eric and Corey are ASU graduates, and work in the valley. Emily is a student at ASU and attends Redemption North Mountain. Julie has returned to work as a bookkeeper at Gilbert Christian Schools and I am a Director of Supply Chain Management at Mayo Clinic and a Faculty Associate at ASU. I enjoy going on dates with my wife, traveling, going to the movies, and hiking.

    When I was young, I attended a small church in New Mexico, knew the things of God and believed I knew God. In fact, when Julie and I were married, I believed I was a Christian based on the teachings of my childhood church. Julie was saved at a young age and she was a consistent role model of Christ, who faithfully walked beside me even as I became more selfish with my career. In 1995, God used a good friend to open my eyes to the fact that I was living a selfish life blinded by my sins. I repented and began a life of following Jesus.

    We talk at Ironwood about the Christian walk as “plodding.” This word resonates with me and as I reflect on my own slow, steady walk through the joyful times along with the trials and tribulations as a follower of Jesus Christ.

    Ironwood Church is a place where people do not need to put on a false front to fit in. It is a place where people can expose their brokenness and come alongside each other with love and compassion. I regularly see God using the members of our church to help celebrate the victories in life and provide comfort during times of trouble.

    Julie and I have been part of Ironwood since the beginning and we are excited to see new faces every Sunday as our church grows and we reach more people. Our new building will provide great new spaces that will allow us to minister to even more people. We are making an impact in our community and I look forward to seeing how God will continue to use us well into the future!

  • Jimmy Lau

    Lay Elder

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    I have been married to my wife, Linda, for 21 years. I am originally from New York City, and I am currently a small business owner of Arizona Signs & Printing. We have 3 sons, Noah (19), Caleb (16), and Luke (12). I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, golfing, fishing, and camping.

    God saved me when I was in 8th grade. I was watching a television show about a man who died, had an after-life encounter, and was revived to life again. The story brought me to tears as I pondered the hopelessness of life simply ended after one’s last breath. On the other hand, if there was hope after life, what was the measure to know if I was good enough? God showed Himself as I learned about Him in school. I learned about God as creator, savior, and redeemer. I decided to put my trust in Him and by God’s grace, have continued to grow in Him.

    I love that leadership and the people of Ironwood love biblical truth and have a genuine heart to honor God. They do this in a number of different ways but what excites me the most about Ironwood’s future is their heart to invest in others for God’s glory. From building a new campus for future generations and for the community, developing leaders to be sent out to reach the lost, supporting local and distant missionaries and organizations, and investing in the next generation to continue to share the good news of Jesus. The focus on others is exciting to see because God is glorified when we love others!

  • robert horn

    Lay Elder

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    I married my wife, Cheri, in 2001. We are both Arizona natives, growing up in the Tempe area. We have two children, Ashley and James. I am currently a manager at SRP where I have worked for the past 19 years. I love hanging out with my family, learning new things, eating good food, watching the Arizona Coyotes hockey team, and sailing.

    Raised in a Christian home, I knew the Gospel at a young age. While I considered myself a Christian, it wasn’t until I was an adult that I was confronted with the depths of my sin and how sin had separated me from God. With the weight of this realization, I spent weeks feeling broken and in need of a new life to mend the one I had corrupted. Jesus has been that life and has redefined my life apart from my old identity. As I continue to walk in the Lord, I am increasingly made aware that I need Jesus as much today, as I did when He first called me. His love and kindness fuels my affections to draw near and imitate the one in whose image I was created in.

    Ironwood Church has been a huge blessing to our family and our walk with the Lord. The people of Ironwood truly reflect that “All of Life, is All for Jesus.” We have seen God visible in tangible and intangible ways. Through friendships, serving, and generosity, is undoubtedly a congregation that is marked by love of God and love for others. I have not experienced this before and it truly feels like a home away from home. I am overwhelmingly thankful for the love God has shown through his people here at Redemption Gateway.

    There are many reasons that I am excited for the future of Ironwood Church. I’m blessed and encouraged to see God working through the leadership, and what He has in store for them in the future. I look forward to having a new building with the space to welcome the unchurched members of our communities and be introduced to Jesus. I’m excited for the new leaders who have been developed and can’t wait to see them be sent out to share the Gospel with the nations. I’m hopeful about the future generations that are currently involved in our Student Ministry, and the impact that they will make for Christ. Thinking about the multitude of lives the individual ministries at Ironwood have touched, I can’t help but think of how many more lives will be changed as we move into the next season. We are entering an exciting time here at Ironwood, and I’m honored to be a part it!

  • Michael Reeves

    Lay Elder

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    I have been married to my beautiful, talented wife, Nicole, for 26 years. We have been blessed with three children – Abigail, Joshua, and Hannah. I was born and raised in Southern California, and I am currently a Cloud Architect for Symantec. I love being with my family and doing life together. We enjoy traveling, the outdoors, singing and playing musical instruments. We also have a new puppy, Ainsley, whom Hannah is raising for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

    I did not grow up in a church-going family but I met the Lord at a church youth camp at Pepperdine University when I was 17 years old. God revealed to me that I needed to stop running from Him and just accept and submit to Him. The path has not always been easy, but the journey has been more than worth it!

    I really love the fact that the people at Ironwood take Jesus seriously but not themselves. I also love that people here are willing to go the extra mile to serve others. I appreciate how we recognize that our relationship with the Lord and loving relationships with others requires an investment of time. I’m grateful that the congregation is willing to engage with the community as equals. We are a people who realize we have been given so much, and we are here to give to others in different ways. I am regularly inspired by the humility and love for people that our pastoral staff exhibits.

    I am so excited to see how God is going to use us to impact the community of Queen Creek and the surrounding cities with His love, faithfulness, and goodness. I am excited about being a part of something that will have an impact on this city and state for generations to come. It’s a privilege to be a small part of building a legacy of faithfulness to Jesus.