New River Fellowship is committed to building a biblical foundation for church government. Spiritual life is produced when church government and theological correctness are combined with biblical preaching that proclaims the authority of God’s Word and the presence of the Holy Spirit. We believe the principles of church government are universal and the scriptural formula for oversight and governance of the local church is relevant in every culture.

New River Fellowship is senior pastor lead, Elder governed, Staff/Volunteer run and congregation supported.
 

What it looks like:
New River  practices an Elder form of government. Although there are other important positions of leadership for instruction and ministry, it is the Elder board that has the responsibility to provide visionary direction and spiritual covering for the ministries of the church.

The office of Elder is a governmental office with spiritual responsibilities and rewards. We believe that one day Jesus will review each Elder’s stewardship. Faithful, willing and sacrificial service to the flock of God will result in a heavenly reward. Elders should set the standard in every area of life. While perfection is not possible, an Elder should take his position seriously and strive to uphold the character qualifications necessary for this office in the church.
 
Careful consideration is given when choosing an Elder. The qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are used to determine a man’s ability to minister in the capacity of Elder. New River Fellowship will only appoint spiritually mature men who are known within the congregation and have served faithfully in the ministries of the church for a season of time. A man must also be gifted governmentally, which is reflected through the following qualities.
 

How it works:
1. To lead the church by governing the vision of the church and establishing policies which provide philosophical boundaries for church life.
2. To uphold the biblical standards of behavior among church members. This includes enforcing church discipline for factious behavior, unrepentant sin and doctrinal error.
3. To individually demonstrate a model for ministry and godly living to the people as they lead the church.
New River Fellowship believes that church policies and philosophies for ministry are best decided when the entire Elder team meets together and discusses, debates and prays. Elder meetings are held regularly and include discussion about policy decisions that affect the congregation as a whole. While the Senior Pastor is the leader of the Elders and is given special respectful consideration, all the Elders have equality relating to input and decision making.  As the church grows and new ministries are established, the Elders ensure that the ministry remains consistent with the vision of the church and the methods of ministry remain consistent with our principles for ministry.

The Elder candidate should:
1. Enjoy overseeing the church and desire the office of Elder.
2. Have the disposition of a servant and have a distinct love for people.
3. Have an enthusiasm for every ministry of the church and not have a strong bias towards particular areas.
4. Understand and respect the authority structure of the church.
5. Be able to make decisions and maintain his resolve even in the face of intense and sometimes critical opposition.
6. Be filled with faith for the future and not be overwhelmed by the size of the vision that God has for the church.
7. Support and be able and willing to defend the Eldership publicly and privately.

 

The Elder role and scope of service:
1. New River Fellowship believes the Senior Pastor should be the leader of the Eldership and should set the agenda for each meeting.
2. New River Fellowship has Elders who are serving as staff of the church and Elders who are not a part of the church staff. While the ratio of staff Elders and non-staff Elders may vary, it is the desire of New River Fellowship to maintain a balance of both.
3. The Elders who are not a part of the church staff are given the responsibility to approve the annual budget and to administrate the compensation packages of the staff.
4. New River Fellowship maintains the position that Elders are men only and should serve as the head of the church just as men should serve as the head of the home.
5. Decisions are made by the Elders after extensive discussion and prayer and with complete unanimity. Debate is common and differing opinions are welcomed. Every effort is made by each Elder to operate in unity with one another.
6. The existing Elders have the authority to recommend new Elders as deemed necessary to the senior pastor. After a 6 month window the existing Elders may offer the position to the recommended Elder.  When new Elders are appointed, the congregation will be notified.
7. Elders may be relieved of duty for the following:
          A. They resign for personal reasons.
          B. They are disqualified by sin or a failure to meet the biblical standards of the office.
          C. They leave New River Fellowship.
          D. Asked to step down by the senior pastor.

Impasse & Decision:
In the event that the Elders of New River Fellowship reach an impasse with a decision, the Elders will appeal to the Eldership of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. Depending on the level of impasse the Gateway Eldership will either council or mediate. Measures will be put in place to resolve the impasse and agreed to by all parties.

Scriptural References
• 1 Timothy 3:1–7
• Titus 1:5–9
• 1 Peter 5:1–4
• James 5:14–15