704 Elders

We believe that to be an expression of the Church, it’s imperative to have the leadership of Elders. At 704, we appoint Elders, who are charged with sharing in the spiritual weight and responsibilities of leading and caring for every person that calls 704 home. These Elders, along with their wives, are the spiritual overseers of the church. 
Our Elders hold ultimate spiritual, operational and financial authority in the governing of the church. Elders serve on the board in three-year terms with a fourth-year optional extension.

Our current Elders are:

John Hartman - Chairman

Andy Baker - Secretary

George Martos - Treasurer

Thaddeus Fennig - Lead Pastor

Philip Diehm

The Bible requires elders to be overseers, by definition someone who leads, who is aware of the whole situation, and who establishes directions to guide the church. Thus, the spiritual leaders are responsible for the overall direction of the church, even though many others execute the various specific tasks. 

Elders should also be examples, meaning someone of greater spiritual maturity and understanding of the Bible, who can therefore be an example and pacesetter for others. 

Additionally, the Bible refers to elders as ‘shepherds.’ The shepherd is responsible to equip God’s people for ministry, by guarding them from false-teaching, giving them good spiritual counsel and food from God’s Word, training them, comforting and helping them. The shepherd must be one who is sensitive to the needs of the people, knowledgeable in God’s word, and willing to invest the time necessary to care for individuals.

The Elders and Lead Pastor are both critical parts of the church leadership in 704. They owe each other their support, guidance and willingness to hold each other accountable to their respective duties. 

Responsibilities: 

  1. Serve in an advisory capacity to the Lead Pastor.

  2. Address shepherding issues for individuals in the church. This includes prayer, care of the sick and hurting, along with the application of ‘church discipline.’ 

  3. Regularly review financials of the church to assess financial health within the community. 

  4. Identify any theological issues that need review and working with ad-hoc committees to bring clarity to issues through position papers and statements of belief.

  5. Participate in the development of overall 704 Church vision. 

ELDER NOMINATION PROCESS

On a regular basis, the Elders will review qualifications and gifts of those who are actively involved in the ministry of 704. Other areas of leadership, such a ministry lead teams are great ‘proving grounds’ for raising up new elders. 

At least once a year, 704 attendees are invited to submit nominations for Elders. A handout will be printed and available online, which includes the requirements for elder, as well as room for attendees to write in the names of those they would want to nominate. The nomination may list reasons why this person should serve. An individual can also submit his own name. 

After creating a list from this survey, the 704 Elders will identify those persons whom they consider to be candidates for service on the board, and enter into a lengthy vetting process of the candidates. 

Once the candidate understands the responsibilities and role of elder, has ample time to meet and interact with the existing elders and their wives, is able to share their personal testimony, as well as their desire for becoming an elder, the current elder board will move to appoint the elder. The elder and his family will be presented to 704 for at least two weeks, giving the community an opportunity to share any reason why this person should not be confirmed as an elder. 

With input received from the congregation, and upon a unanimous vote by the 704 Elders, a formal call will be extended to the candidate. Upon accepting the call, the elder and his family will be commissioned as a 704 Elder in an upcoming weekend service. 

NOMINATION FORM

Would you like to nominate someone who meets the criteria of eldership?

Let us know here.