The leadership at Crossroads Church operates as a four-part system designed for mutual accountability, transparency, and effective ministry. This interconnected structure, embracing the biblical principle of plurality in leadership (e.g., Acts 14:23, where elders were appointed in every church), fosters robust mutual accountability among the leadership boards. This model draws inspiration from the early church’s practice of appointing multiple qualified leaders and reflects a delegation of leadership tasks, reminiscent of Moses appointing judges to assist in governance (Exodus 18:13-26). The congregation serves as the foundational body who helps identify qualified, called, and gifted individuals to lead and then freely follows those leaders as they make decisions, while the accountability structure between the overlapping leadership boards serves to maintain the accountability required to keep the Church healthy. This system includes the Congregation, the Elder Board, the Management Team, and the Ministry Staff.
Vetting Process: When new candidates for the Elder Board and Management Team are selected, they are presented to the congregation for a three-week vetting period. This process is intentionally transparent to prevent anonymity and popularity contests.
Biblical Qualifications: The congregation is asked to voice any concerns regarding the proposed leaders based on the Biblical qualifications for elders and deacons. These qualifications are outlined in New Testament passages such as:
1 Timothy 3:1-7 (Qualifications for Elders/Overseers)
Titus 1:5-9 (Qualifications for Elders/Overseers)
1 Timothy 3:8-13 (Qualifications for Deacons)
Affirmation: If no concerns are raised after the three-week period, the congregation holds an affirmation ceremony. This act formally enlists the leader to serve, assuming that God has called, qualified, and gifted them for the role.
Addressing Concerns: If a member of the church family raises concerns, they are addressed in love, grace, and truth, which can lead to deeper discipleship opportunities.
The Elder Board is responsible for the spiritual oversight of the church and ensuring that all activities align with a sound Biblical framework.
Core Functions: The elders’ primary roles are to pray, shepherd the flock, and shape the overall vision for the church. They provide spiritual guidance to both the Management Team and the Ministry Staff.
Accountability: They are a key part of the system of checks and balances, holding the other leadership boards accountable. They can remove members from a board through a majority vote if the need arises. Decisions regarding the removal of Elders, Management Team members, or Ministry Staff are made by a majority vote of the Elder Board. In cases where an Elder or Pastoral Staff member challenges the validity of their removal by the Elder Board, the issue is brought to the congregation for reaffirmation.
Serving as deacons, the Management Team provides crucial managerial oversight for the church’s resources.
Core Functions: The team prays for and manages the resources of the church, ensuring good stewardship of its facilities, financial offerings, and personnel.
Accountability: They are held accountable by the other leadership teams and can also be removed from their position by a majority vote from the Elder Board if the need arises.
The Ministry Staff is responsible for the day-to-day operations and the implementation of the church’s various ministries, with a primary focus on equipping the saints for the work of ministry, as outlined in Ephesians 4:11-12.
Core Functions: The staff initiates, oversees, & drives ministry to serve & shepherd the congregation.
Accountability: The Ministry Staff is selected and held accountable by both the Elder Board and the Management Team.
