Although the Bible does not give us a straightforward design for how the local church should be structured, there are a few elements of governance that are consistent from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
Grace Church follows those biblical consistencies in our leadership structure. Grace Church is:
Person-led
God has called Pastor ryan to be our Lead Pastor in the same way that He called other men to lead other great moves in Scripture (e.g., Moses, David, Daniel, and Joshua)
Pastored by Pastor ryan and the Lead Team
The Lead Team oversees the day-to-day ministry and operations of the church. This team includes campus pastors, staff pastors, and nonpastoral staff who serve the congregation and are responsible for the administration and development of the spiritual life of the church. A team assisted Moses in his responsibilities. (Exodus 18:13–26) In the New Testament, different leaders focused on unique aspects of the ministry. (Ephesians 4:11–12)
And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. —Ephesians 4:11–12 (ESV)
Governed by Elders
The Elders are the governing body of the church. The Elders, along with the Lead Pastor, oversee the church. These Elders are appointed, by the confirmation of the Holy Spirit, to serve by deciding on policy development, finances, and oversight of the spiritual health of the church.
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. —1 Peter 5:1–3 (ESV)
Strengthened by Oversight
Grace Church’s Oversight Team loves our pastors and provides spiritual protection to the church. The Oversight Team provides accountability for the church by being personally connected to the Lead Pastor, and they can be called upon to help in specific accountability matters relating to the Lead Pastor if requested by the Elders. The team meets frequently with Pastor ryan to ensure pastoral health in soul, marriage, family, relationships, and church, as well as adherence to the Word.
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood. —Acts 20:28 (ESV)