Eldership FAQs
What is an Elder? What are our expectations of an Elder at South West?
Our Eldership provide spiritual oversight for our church, and primarily lead through wisdom and discernment to empower and hold accountable our pastors. Eldership at South West is a governance role, not a management role.
What is our nomination process for Eldership?
Members of South West can nominate people they believe have the spiritual wisdom, governance skill and commitment to the church vision and values.
Nominations can be submitted either via an online form or paper nomination form from Reception or the Welcome Centre). Our constitution states that names for consideration for Eldership can be submitted up to two weeks prior to our AGM.
For many years (including under our two previous Senior Pastors), we have established an Elders Nomination Committee to support the nomination process. The Nomination Committee prayerfully consider and discern all nominated names, including the names of existing Elders who are willing to stand again, ensuring they meet the required criteria and skill mix. The Committee comes to a consensus about who to approach to ask if they are willing to have their name considered.
The Nomination Committee then decide on the final list of names to present to the church for ratification at the AGM. You can read about this process here.
Who decides who is on the Elders Nomination Committee?
Our current Elders decide who will be on the Elders Nomination Committee.
In some churches, the current Elders complete the role of this committee themselves, however at SWBC we have opted to have other individuals involved in this process.
Is South West’s process of selecting Elders the same as other Baptist churches?
Each Baptist church has their own process for selecting Elders, with many having a similar approach to South West.
Is Duane an Elder?
Yes. This is the same structure as with a school board, where the school principal is also a member of the school board.
Our previous two senior pastors have also been Elders. As per our constitution, our Senior Pastor (Duane Major) is ex-officio chairperson of all organisations of the church, although the Elders still appoint their own functional chairperson. Whenever there is a conflict of interest, the Eldership meet without the Senior Pastor.
