Leadership Community Qualifications: a first draft

We identify five stages of spiritual formation within church life at Heritage:

Attenders These are those that God has brought to us, mostly through our weekend
services. Some are not yet followers of Jesus; some are already followers of
Jesus.
Participating These are those attenders that have chosen to commit to Heritage being
Members their church, along with all the privileges and responsibilities that come with
Heritage being their community of faith.
Leadership These are those members who through desire and qualification in character
Community and service, have entered into the community of those who together work
to accomplish the mission of Heritage.
Deacons &
These are those leaders who have been invited into specific processes of
Pastoral
equipping for leadership roles within the church as a whole.
Interns
Pastors & These are the leaders of the church, working together to govern and
Elders shepherd the flock of God among us

At Heritage, our expectation is that those who constitute the leadership community of the church
demonstrate & are in pursuit of most if not all of the following qualifications:

1. Bible
a. A clear understanding of the gospel and the capacity to help others come to a clear
understanding of it, starting from wherever
b. A firm grasp of our statement of faith

2. Character
a. Does life in the company of friends (community & accountability) (Hebrews 10:24-25).
b. Relationally and emotionally mature (able to build trust, encourage others, resolve
conflict, speak the truth in love, extend grace, maintain healthy friendships and family
relationships). (Ephesians 4 & 5)
c. Capable and available (Exodus 18:20-26 NIV and NLT)
d. Faithfully serves in the church without regard for position or reward. (Mark 10:43-45)
e. Displays integrity (Job; Psalm 78:72)
f. Teachable (Proverbs 1:5; 9:9)
g. Hard working, diligent, faithful , reliable (Colossians 3:23 & 2 Timothy 2:2)
h. Respected by others as a faithful follower of Jesus (Matt 5:16, 1 Thess 4:12)

3. Walk with God

a. Consistent and genuine connection with God sustained in the Word, in prayer,
worship, both alone and in community

4. People
a. Having a genuine affection for people, demonstrated in relationship
b. The ability to lead people well with gentleness & respect
c. The ability to follow other leaders well, with humility & integrity
5. Service
a. Has served well in the volunteer/servant ministry of the church – tested, proven,
reliable, dependable
b. Does all things as “unto the Lord”