Leadership

"Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock." - 1 Peter 5:1-3

Elders and Deacons

We believe that God intends for the church to function under the leadership of a plurality of qualified men, which the Bible calls by a number of names including Elders (Tit 1:5), Pastors (Eph 4:11), and Overseers (1 Tim 3:2).  While each term brings a different aspect of their role to the fore, we believe that each term essentially refers to the same group.

The Bible uses the terminology of shepherding to describe the task entrusted to these men (e.g. Acts 2025-31; 1 Pet 5:1-3).  That means that they are primarily called to lead, feed, and protect the flock.  The primary character qualities required of these men are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

The term "Deacon" literally means a "servant."  The Bible does not outline the role of this office, but it seems clear that the intent is that Deacons are acknowledged leaders of the body in the work of service.  The character qualifications for Deacons are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

At CBC

The Elder Council and Deacon Board at CBC consist of a plurality of men who are appointed by the Council to 3-year terms after an annual process of nomination, vetting, and ordination.  The pastoral staff members are also members of the Elder Council ex officio but generally do not give official votes on Council matters.  Each group meets monthly or as needed.

The Elder Council gives oversight to the flock, giving special attention to its spiritual nutrition, protection, and needs, and gives direction and oversight to the ministries and programs of the church.  Each Elder is also a member (often a chairman) of one or more of the church's ministry committees which are open to the whole body.

The Deacon Board gives oversight to the physical needs of the body and church building.  They are called upon to make sure that the physical needs of the members of the body at CBC are met (like the group of men appointed to do the same in Acts 6:1-7).  They are also charged with the general oversight of the use and maintenance of the church grounds and building.

Get to Know the Leadership

Meet the Pastoral Staff

Meet the Elder Council

Meet the Deacon Board