God asks the church to be a community of people sharing a common purpose and fellowship, continually growing in faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God. Paul describes the church as “. . . his body, the fullness of him who filleth everything in every way” (Eph.1:22).
Background
Successful organizations, including churches, need leaders. Elders are key leaders in Seventh-day Adventist churches and need to understand the important role they perform in the church.
Elders are the religious leaders of the church, and they are recognized by the church as strong spiritual leaders. In the absence of a pastor, elders are the spiritual leaders of the church and, by precept and example, must seek to lead the church into a deeper and fuller Christian experience. Elders should be able to conduct church services and minister in both word and doctrine when the assigned pastor is unavailable. The pastor and elders of the church should work together harmoniously. The pastor and the elders should share the pastoral work of the church. In counsel with the pastor, the elders should visit members, minister to the sick, foster prayer ministries, arrange or lead out in anointing services and child dedications. As the undershepherds, Elders should exercise constant vigilance over the flock.
Elder Duties
The position of Elder is an elected and ordained role. The Elders’ primary roles are: spiritual leadership, general oversight, and nurturing. The roles encompass duties such as conducting church services, fostering tithing, bible study, prayer, and a relationship with Jesus. They also provide visitation services, perform baptismal services, and communion services.
Alhambra Elder Team:
Head Elder: Pastor Celeste Harrison
Elder Team: Carline C., Carolyn D., Prakash R., Kingsford K., Francisco C.
Inactive Elder Team: Charles H., Yola C., Daniel D., Samuel G., Lubov K.