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About Elders
Because we care for you and your family, the Pastors and Elders of Grace Lutheran Church are committed to providing an effective shepherding ministry to all our members. We want to make certain that every member and family in our church experience the love and compassionate support of the whole congregation. We want to become known throughout our community as a loving and caring church, staffed with wise and understanding servant-leaders.
There is no greater need in the Church today than the need for qualified and duly consecrated Elders to oversee as well as preserve and promote the sacred doctrines and valued traditions of Christ’s Church. It has been said that, “As it goes with the Elders, so it goes with the Church.” This still holds true. Without qualified men of character, integrity and conviction to lead in this biblical office, then the Church falls susceptible to a host of spiritual ills. For this reason, the Lord in His infinite wisdom instituted this blessed office and we take diligent care to train and call men that suit the qualifications given to us in 1 Timothy and Titus. The goal and purpose of the Office of Elder is to ensure purity of doctrine and to foster a holiness of life to be practiced and enjoyed by the parish.
Being called by the Holy Spirit through this congregation to be an Elder is an honor and joy that carries with it great responsibility. It means that our Elders are expected by our Lord Jesus to guide and supervise the spiritual growth of the people who gather together as Grace Lutheran Church.
Our Elders are an extension of the church staff in ministering to the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of each church member and family. They serve on the Church Council and, with the Pastor, promote the ministerial and missional agenda set by the Lord Jesus.
How Elders Help
Visitation – Expect a call from the Pastor, Deacon, Deaconess or one of the Elders to schedule a “get acquainted visit” with members or visitors. In addition, Elders visit throughout the year when someone is in the hospital or people have sorrow, sickness, crisis or other special needs in their life. They are here to serve you, so feel at liberty to call on them anytime. Answering Questions About Your Faith - Elders are teachers in the church, too. They help bring (or help you find) the understanding desired for spiritual matters or issues, concerns or questions about things going on in your life and church body. They are your “go to guys” that are “apt to teach” and always willing to help, especially family members come to know the Lord and become active members of His body, the Church. Helping You Grow in Fellowship with Other Members - Elders want to encourage you to participate in Christian service by exercising your spiritual gifts and personal talents. Being involved in social occasions gets Christians together for fun and fellowship, making Grace a true family of believers. Above all, the Elders ensure our growth in grace by maintaining the purity of the Word and Sacraments. Rejoicing with You and Your Family – Elders desire to share your joy when you and your family celebrate important events or accomplishments in your life. Praying For You and With You - Believing that you are important and believing in the power of prayer, your elder will join with the Pastor and other Elders in praying for you and each member of your family. "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5.14). The Elders help to settle disputes in the church. As promoters of peace in the House of God, Elders are called upon to facilitate reconciliation and foster an atmosphere of peace and joy among the people of God (Acts 15.1-2). They watch out for the Church. "I exhort the elders who are among you, I being also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. Feed the flock of God among you, taking the oversight, not by compulsion, but willingly; nor for base gain, but readily; nor as lording it over those allotted to you by God, but becoming examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a never-fading crown of glory” (1 Pet 5.1-4). The lives of Elders are called to reflect the godliness they are to emulate to those entrusted to them by God. The ministerial care they are to exercise is not to be done for gain but because of their desire to serve and shepherd the flock with love, compassion and humility. They spend their time in prayer and teaching the word, in accord with the Word of God as stated in St. Paul’s epistles to St. Timothy. Simply put, our Elders are peacemakers, teachers, leaders by example, and decision makers who take joy in providing shepherding care for God’s people.
Your Board of Elders
Deacon, Gleason Snashall (Chairman) 858.560.7440 Andy Cecil 619.219.9337 Michael Hirman 619.886.2100 Daryl Newton 619.299.5212 Brian Thomas 619.402.8291
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