Nominating Church Leaders for 2020

Between now and the end of January, we are accepting nominations for church leadership at woodmontchristian.org/nominate. LA Galyon will chair this year’s nominating committee which will begin meeting in February. This year, we will receive nominations for 1 Chair-Elect of the Board, 3 At Large Board Members, 7 Elders, and 30 Deacons.

To serve as an elder, you must have been an active member of Woodmont for five years. To serve as a deacon, you must have been an active member of Woodmont for one year.

We always want broad participation and input from the congregation in this process. When considering candidates, I encourage you to ask the following questions:

∙ Are they present in worship on a regular basis?

∙ Are they involved in a Sunday School class or small group?

∙ Are they passionate about the mission and ministries of Woodmont?

∙ Do they exhibit Christ-like qualities and behaviors?

∙ Do they exemplify the fruits of the Spirit?

∙ Do they have a servant’s heart?

∙ Do they have a teachable heart?

∙ Do they support Woodmont with their time, talent, and treasure?

∙ Will they help move Woodmont forward into the future?

Paul Chappell once identified “Twenty Characteristics of a Christ-Like Leader.” I find this list both accurate and challenging. Christ-like leaders:

1) A follower of Jesus Christ

2) Willing to deny self

3) Open to and filled with the Holy Spirit of God

4) Possesses and practices discipline in their life.

5) Reads the Word of God and other good books consistently

6) Seeks, asks for, and uses God’s wisdom

7) Is sincere and deeply cares

8) Has godly friends and stays accountable

9) Knows how to forgive

10) Finds acceptance in Christ

11) Prays regularly for others

12) Helps others succeed

13) Knows the difference between ambition and vision

14) Is able to articulate vision

15) Possesses a sense of urgency for God’s work

16) Stands on strong convictions

17) Is kind

18) Has a growing love for Jesus Christ

19) Loves their family

20) Loves the local church.

Christian leadership is grounded in service and humility. Christ calls us to “deny self, take of our cross, and follow him.” Henri Nouwen says: “In our world of loneliness and despair, there is an enormous need for men and women who know the heart of God, a heart that forgives, cares, reaches out, and wants to heal. In that heart, there is no suspicion, no vindictiveness, no resentment, and not a tinge of hatred. It is a heart that wants only to give love and receive love in response. It is a heart that suffers immensely because it sees the magnitude of human pain and the great resistance to trusting the heart of God who wants to offer consolation and hope.”