Nominations & Positions

At First Christian Church of New Salem, we believe that church leadership is both a spiritual calling and a sacred responsibility. Our Elders and Official Board Members are selected through a prayerful and biblical process designed to uphold the integrity, mission, and spiritual health of Christ’s church.

Qualifications and Selection – Elder

Elders serve as the spiritual shepherds of the congregation and are responsible for providing biblical leadership, spiritual guidance, discipleship, and protection of sound doctrine within the church.

Candidates for Elder must:

• Meet the biblical qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9.
• Be male, according to the church’s interpretation of Scripture.
• Have maintained active membership at First Christian Church of New Salem for at least three consecutive years, unless an exception is granted by the Elders.
• Be interviewed and approved by a majority of Leadership (Elders and Ministers) before being placed on the ballot.

Elders are affirmed by congregational vote during a congregational meeting and must receive at least 80% approval of votes cast to serve.

Qualifications and Selection – Board Member

The Official Board oversees the business operations and administrative decisions of the church. The Board consists of twelve members, including representatives from Leadership (Elders and Ministers) and elected congregational members.

Candidates for elected Board positions must:

• Be active church Members for at least one year.
• Be interviewed and approved by a majority of Leadership before appearing on the ballot.
• Receive at least 80% approval of votes cast during a congregational meeting to be elected.

Board Members are expected to demonstrate faithfulness to God, commitment to the mission of the church, and active participation in Official Board meetings and responsibilities.

Nominations Process

Nominations for Elders and Board Members are coordinated through a Nominating Team appointed by Leadership prior to the annual congregational meeting.

Church Members may submit nominations to the Nominating Team no later than three weeks before voting takes place. After review and approval, the slate of nominees will be presented to the congregation for prayerful consideration and vote.

Before a nominee is place on the ballot, they will first be asked if they desire the position. After agreeing that the nominee seeks the position, they will be interviewed by current leadership.

Terms of Service

Both Elders and Board Members may serve one-, two-, or three-year terms depending on prior service. Following a three-year term, individuals are required to take a one-year sabbatical before being eligible to serve again, provided sufficient leadership remains in place.

Commitment to Biblical Leadership

All leadership positions at First Christian Church of New Salem are expected to reflect biblical character, spiritual maturity, and faithful service to Christ and His church. Leadership exists not for personal authority, but to serve the congregation, uphold God’s Word, and help fulfill the mission of raising the body to reach the broken.