Church Board Nomination Information

This page is for those who would like to be considered as a possible candidate to serve on the Church Board.  The purpose of this page is to give you information of what the qualifications are, along with the expectations so that you can make an informed (and prayerful) decision on whether you wish to put your name forward as a possible nominee.

The process:
In order for someone to be elected to the Church Board, they first need to be nominated by the Nominating Committee.  The Nominating Committee is comprised of members, recommended by the pastor and approved by the church board.  Because there are many factors involved in whether a person is suitable to serve on the Church Board, first time nominees are invited to review the information on this page and then confirm they meet the qualifications and expectations. The Nominating Committee then puts their name forward, and if approved, their names are presented for election at our AGM, where the membership votes.

Please review the information below and then complete the section at the very bottom on or before April 2.  If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Norman.

1. We are a Team that Serves

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In many aspects of the world, leadership means power and control.  Within the church, leadership means humility and service.  First and foremost, serving on the board means that you have come, not to seek power and the ability to "have your way", but to serve as part of a team.  This will likely mean that as a board member, you will be given an area of responsibility.

2. We Have a Biblical Mandate
As the church in the first century developed, Paul and Barnabas appointed people to serve in leadership positions.  With prayer and fasting these people were placed in positions of trust.  Someone once said, "Reduced to simplest terms, the board's goal should be to ascertain the will of God, and then to translate His will into action."  The role of board members is obviously an extremely important one.  It calls for commitment, sacrifice, flexibility, understanding and cooperation.  It calls for those who have shown maturity in their faith and a commitment to the beliefs of the church.

3. Biblical Qualifications
Biblically, the qualifications to serve on the board, as stated in 1 Timothy 3 include: self controlled, hospitable, able to teach, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, not a recent convert, has a good reputation with outsiders, not overbearing, not quick tempered, loves what is good, upright & holy, disciplined, above reproach, husband of one wife, temperate, respectable, not given to drunkenness, manages his own family well, sees that his children obey him, does not pursue dishonest gain, keeps hold of the deep truths, sincere, tested.

If anything, this list shows that serving as a board member is not a responsibility to be taken lightly.  Our church manual, paragraph 127, also gives direction:​ "We direct our local churches to elect as church officers active members of the local church who profess the experience of entire sanctification and whose lives bear public witness to the grace of God that calls us to a holy life; who are in harmony with the doctrines, polity, and practices of the Church of the Nazarene; and who support the local church faithfully in attendance, active service, and with tithes and offerings. Church officers should be fully engaged in “making Christlike disciples in the nations.”

4. Church Expectations
As part of a coherent organization that has both accountability and responsibility, board members have to set the example, not only in Christian living, but also in their support for both the Church of the Nazarene Articles of Faith (what we believe) and the Church of the Nazarene Covenant of Christian Conduct (how we live our personal lives).  For that reason, we have a number of clear expectations that you will need to consider, along with, of course, the fact that you have fully surrendered your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.​
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  • ​Have you been attending worship services regularly?
  • Have you been seeing to your personal growth through Bible Study and Prayer (at home)?  How?
  • Have you been involved in any group Bible Study (or discipleship) programs?  When/Where?
  • Have you been faithful in contributing 10% of your income (a tithe) to this local church?
  • Are you prepared (will you have the time) to take leadership in some area of ministry that will be assigned to you?
  • Do you know and understand the doctrines (Articles of Faith) of the church?  (See Manual, page 26 to 34)
  • Do you know and understand and abide by the covenants of Christian Conduct?  (See Manual, page 44 to 63) 
  • Are you prepared to abstain from alcohol and tobacco?
  • Are you aware of, and are you in agreement with the church's position on human sexuality?
  • If you are married, do you have the support of your spouse?
  • Will you be able to attend at least 2/3rds of the Board meetings (currently the 2nd Tuesday of each month)?
  • Is your life free from any habits or hindrances that would negatively impact your spiritual life or testimony?

If there is anything in the above expectations that you have a difficulty with, please speak with the Pastor before putting your name forward for nomination.
Are you ready?
​Having considered the expectations of Board members, and after prayer consideration, please fill in the section below and then click submit to have it sent to the church office.

    Church Board Nomination Application

    WHY DO WE ASK THIS?

    ​It is important that those who serve on the Board are persons who attend regularly. It sets an example of commitment and it gives opportunity for the board member to get a sense of where the congregation is at.

    We don't know what kind of personal prayer and study time you engage in at home. As much as we'd like to assume everyone is personally invested in prayer and Bible reading at home, we can't actually assume that.  You need to tell us how you are doing in this area.

    Next to studies at home, it is equally important to be involved in a group study. There is something to be gained when we collectively read and study God's Word that we could very possibly miss if we just read and study at home.  And again, your presense is an encouragement (and example) to others.

    We believe this is an act of obedience to the Lord.  A heart that loves the Lord doesn't wonder if I "have" to give.  It wonders how much more can I give than the bare minimum.

    Board members are expected to take leadreship in some area of ministry.  It isn't just a matter of coming to a board meeting and voting on this or that.  You will likely have an area of responsibility.

    As a board member, you need to know the core doctrines of the faith.  Why are we the Church of the Nazarene?  How are we similar to other churches?  How are we different?  What are our core values?

    The church has much to say about how we live our lives in the society that we find ourselves in. As a board member, you are expected to be an example to others in our conduct.

    The Church of the Nazarene has a very clear statement on Sexuality.  If you are not in agreement with it and able to support it, you should not be serving on the board.

    This is just one example of the expectation of the covenant of Christian conduct. We are a people who abstain from alcohol and tobacco.  As a board member, you will need to set the example in this.

    Serving on the board takes time and commitment.  Does your spouse support you in this role? Does he or she feel you have the time?  Maybe there is some other reason why your spouse hesitates.

    We cannot have board meetings without an adequate number of board members. If you know you won't be available, it is best not to join the board.

    As much as we might think we know the individuals in the church, we can't know everything, nor are not here to police anyone's life.  But if there is something that you know of that would negatively impact your testimony as a Christian, you would do well to not put your name forward as a board member.  If you are uncertain, speak to one of the pastors.