Our Spiritual Leaders

God's plan for church leadership is revealed in Scripture.  He launched the church by giving certain individuals specific gifts "...apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers" (Ephesians 4:11).  These believers, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, initiated the Christian movement and brought local churches into existence through their teaching and preaching. 

As churches were established in the faith, and when more than one person became qualified, shepherds were appointed to continue the pastor/teaching ministry in each local church.  To the shepherds was given the ultimate responsibility for the oversight of that particular church body, and the shepherding of its members.  In addition, our Lord called every believer to servant hood, but specifically called out some from among the congregations to become leaders. 

About our Leaders 

Elders / Shepherds

Our shepherds have overall responsibility for oversight and direction of the church.  They are to seek, in all matters, the mind of Christ (who is the Head of the Church) through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.  They must be able to teach and exhort the church in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict the truth.  Shepherds are to lead by example and will provide instruction for the maintenance of healthy relationships within the church. They will appoint deacons or ministers as is necessary to accomplish the mission of the church.  When new shepherds are needed from time to time, men are recognized by the congregation and are then added by the shepherds. 

Deacons 

Wherever special ministry tasks were needed, since the beginning of the church, servant leaders (deacons) were appointed to carry out those tasks.  As in Acts 6, where people of "good reputation, full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit" were appointed to the task of caring for neglected Grecian widows, our servant leaders assume responsibility for numerous ministry tasks throughout the life of the church.  These Godly leaders increase the quantity and quality of the church's mission and ministry.  As with the shepherds, when new deacons are needed from time to time, men are recognized by the congregation and are then approved by the Shepherds. 

Minister 

Understanding that all believers are equal before God, our minister does not have a special title, or wear special clothing.  Our minister is primarily engaged in preparing, equipping, and modeling ministries.  Specifically, our evangelist is focused on preaching and leadership, supporting the shepherds and deacons who oversee and serve the congregation respectively.  Since we believe that the ministry at Sanford belongs primarily to the members of the church, our minister is here to help the church accomplish what God has called all of us to do. 

(Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV) 19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.