Connecting with Leadership: Contacting Elders and Deacons

At Metropolitan Bible Church, the health and growth of our community depend on open communication. One way we ensure this is by providing direct access to our church leaders. Accordingly, you can now contact our Elders and Deacons via email. These channels are designed to support, guide, and address the needs of our congregation.

Why Communication Matters

The Bible highlights the distinct roles of Elders and Deacons in the church. Elders focus on spiritual oversight, teaching, and shepherding the congregation (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4). Deacons, by contrast, emphasize practical service and administrative responsibilities (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Open communication with these leaders ensures they can effectively serve the needs of our church body.

When to Contact the Elders

Elders are charged with the spiritual welfare of the church, and you can reach out to them for:

• Church Vision and Direction: Seek guidance on the church’s vision, initiatives, and long-term goals.
  • Example: “I’d love to hear how the church plans to reach young families in our city. Can you share more about the vision for this ministry?”
• Church Discipline: The elders are responsible for overseeing matters of church discipline in accordance with biblical principles (Matthew 18:15-17, Galatians 6:1). This includes unresolved conflicts, patterns of sin within the congregation, or any other situation that may require the attention of church leadership to maintain spiritual accountability.
  • Example: “I have observed a concerning behavior pattern with a church leader that seems to contradict biblical teaching, and I’m unsure how to approach it biblically. Could the elders provide guidance?”

When to Contact the Deacons

Deacons are stewards of the church’s practical and administrative responsibilities. Topics to address with them include:

• Facility or Financial Concerns: Report building maintenance issues or inquire how funds are utilized.
  • Example: “I noticed a leak in the Fellowship Hall—can this be addressed soon?”
• Special Projects: Reach out about significant purchases, upgrades, or involved initiatives requiring substantial resources.
  • Example: “Would the church consider upgrading the audiovisual system in the Worship Center? The sound is different depending on where I sit.”

Additional Support from Pastors and Staff

For many other needs, including ministry involvement or day-to-day questions, church pastors and staff are available to assist. All Elders, except the Senior Pastor, are volunteer lay leaders, and all Deacons, except for the Business Administrator and current Sunday School Superintendent, are also volunteers. Pastors and staff maintain regular office hours and oversee the church’s daily operations. Feel free to contact them for guidance, questions, or support.

How to Reach Out

Email the elders at [email protected].

Email the deacons at [email protected].

NOTE: You can see a list of church leadership on Church Center under “More,” then “Church Leadership 2024.”

When contacting the leadership, consider including the following:

• A clear subject line (e.g., “Maintenance Request for Fellowship Hall”)
• A concise summary of your question or concern
• Any relevant details to help them respond effectively

Biblical Foundations of Church Leadership

Our church’s constitution aligns with biblical qualifications and responsibilities for Elders and Deacons. By maintaining open lines of communication, we embody the New Testament model of mutual care and service within the Body of Christ.

We encourage every member of our congregation to contact church leadership with any questions, comments, or concerns. Let’s continue to work together to foster a thriving, Christ-centered church body.