Relationships of All Boards

To the Pastor 
The board member is the pastor’s advisor, helper, and prayer partner, a loyal supporter of the pastor, assisting in fulfilling the vision and goals God has given the pastor for the church.

The pastor is the chairperson and a voting member of the church boards.

To Each Other 
Board members are a team, working together within the scope of their assignment with the view to achieving the successful advancement of the church.

Board members should seek to develop a close relationship through mutual prayer, worship, and cooperative co-laboring with the pastor and staff.

To the Congregation 
Board members should promote goodwill in the congregation and should strengthen the people’s confidence in the pastor’s leadership. The spiritual interest and welfare of the congregation are their concern and responsibility.

To the Community

Board members should be the church’s public relations people in the community. Their lives should be a testimony of true Christianity, conducting themselves in a manner that will honor Christ. 


Responsibilities of Boards 
It is generally understood that the pastor, by virtue of office, is president of the corporation and chair of the board.

 
Deacons

The deacons shall act in an advisory capacity with the pastor in all matters pertaining to the assembly in its spiritual life and in the administration of the ordinances. They shall act in the examination of applicants for membership and also in the administration of church discipline.

At the discretion of the pastor, individual board members may be assigned portfolios of responsibility in the functioning of the local church.

 It is expected that the official board shall serve as the nominating committee for selection of a pastor. 


Trustees

The trustees serve as the official, legal servants in matters of business. Normally the president (pastor) and the secretary of the Board of Trustees sign legal documents in behalf of the church, particularly as property and financial contracts are involved.

The trustees, serving as custodians of the church property, shall include its proper maintenance and insurance, etc., and shall act on behalf of the church in selling and acquiring property.

 Board of Advisors 
Inasmuch as the district officiary serves as the official board of the local assembly when a Board of Advisors serves, this board shall act in an advisory capacity to the pastor in the routine functioning of the local church.

 
Official Board

The official board shall serve as it has been defined in the above guidelines.

 Appendage

 Elder or Eldership

After research, we conclude, because of the use of the word in the original Greek (Acts 20:17,28; 1 Timothy 5:17; James 5:14, etc.), that the words "elder" or "eldership" refer to the office of pastor, bishop, or overseer. It is beyond the scope of our assignment to speak to this office.

 Process by Which Eligibility Is Determined

 A. When a nominating committee is provided for in the local constitution and bylaws, the following procedure is recommended:

 
  1. Spiritual qualifications shall be considered as stated under "Qualifications."

     

  2. The nominee shall be one who faithfully supports the local church in attendance and finances.

     

  3. The nominee should understand the Assemblies of God church government.

     

  4. Before a nominee is presented, the pastor should discuss philosophy and vision and determine the nominee’s willingness to serve.

     

B. The selection of board members shall be by a vote of the local congregational membership after nominees have been approved.


Conclusion

The pastor is God’s gift to the church; board members are the church’s gift to the pastor.