Elders

In the PCA, elders are called to spiritual oversight, shepherding, and governing the church. They are to lead by teaching the Word, guarding doctrine, and caring for the souls under their charge. The office includes both teaching elders (pastors) and ruling elders—men equally ordained but serving in distinct capacities. Together, elders form the Session, the governing body of the local church, tasked with guiding our congregation in faithfulness to God’s Word. Elders:

Equip and nurture the body for discipleship and mission. (Ephesians 4:11–12)
Shepherd the congregation through Word, prayer, and counsel. (Titus 1:9)
Exercise spiritual oversight and govern alongside other elders in the Session. (1 Peter 5:3)
Ensure the faithful preaching and teaching of Scripture. (Acts 20:28)
Administer church discipline when necessary, in love and truth. (Matthew 18:15–17)
Lead by example in godly living. (1 Peter 5:3)

In the PCA, we distinguish between two types of elders:

Teaching Elders (pastors): primarily called to preach, teach, and administer the sacraments.
Ruling Elders: laymen who share in the spiritual oversight and shepherding of the church alongside the pastor.

Biblical Qualifications for Elders

Scripture provides clear qualifications for those who serve as elders. These men must exhibit spiritual maturity, integrity, and a commitment to sound doctrine and personal holiness.

“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…” — 1 Timothy 3:1–2 (ESV)

“...appoint elders in every town... if anyone is above reproach... He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”
— Titus 1:5–9 (ESV)

These passages remind us that elders are to be humble, faithful, and doctrinally sound men who lead by serving — not by power, but by Christlike care and example.

In the PCA, elders are elected to their office and hold it for life. We do, however, encourage our elders to take sabbaticals routinely to manage their workload and, if necessary, to relinquish their active duties as needed. Unless otherwise noted, the elders below are currently active and serving in their official capacity. Elders are listed alphabetically.

Terry Everhart

Elder since 20XX

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Candido Giron

Elder since 20XX - currently on sabbatical

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Chris Schwartz

Elder since 20XX - Clerk of Session

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Joe Stephens

Elder since 20XX

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Dale Vander Wall

Elder since 20XX - currently on sabbatical

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Jim Wilkins

Elder since 20XX

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Andy Wolverton

Elder since 20XX

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Ben Zintak

Elder since 20XX

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All members and their families are assigned to an elder that is personally oversees their spiritual care. If you don't know who your elder is, please contact Ben Zintak (the current admin elder) to find out. You can also raise concerns with any elder -- they will be quick to pass on your need to your elder.

If you have general questions for the Session, or wish to bring a need from another member to their attention, please reach out to your elder or Chris Schwartz (Clerk of Session). The elders meet monthly (dates are noted on the calendar) to discuss business and ensure member needs are met.

The elders oversee all the ministries and business of the church. While the Session collaboratively govern and seek counsel in all their decisions, each ministry does have an elder that is directly responsible for its spiritual health and direction, noted below.