The Bible calls the members of the church to “select from among themselves” those leaders whom God has called, gifted and affirmed. Therefore, each year the Briarwood membership and existing leadership engages in this process of nomination, training, examination, election, ordination and installation.

Deacon and Elder nominations for the Class of 2027 are being accepted from the congregation during the month of May. Nominating forms are available online at briarwood.org/nominations, at the information stations throughout the church, or by emailing lreese@briarwood.org.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 31.

1. How do I nominate someone?
Fill out and return the Nominations Form no later than May 31.

2. Is it important for me to nominate even if I don’t know everyone?
As a member of Briarwood you are aware by observation and experience whether someone meets the biblical qualifications and whether they would serve the Lord well in His Church. Carefully reading the qualifications for Elder and Deacon in I Timothy 3 and prayerfully considering those men whom you know will allow you to participate in the process of our church electing those called to serve the Lord in the high honor of ordained leadership.

3. What happens when I nominate someone?
All nominations go through a process which includes prayerful consideration by the Nominations Committee as well as the Session and Diaconate to insure they are qualified. Qualified men will be informed of their nomination and invited to an orientation meeting in July to hear about the responsibilities of Elders and Deacons. They then are given time to prayerfully consider whether they want to be candidates for leadership. Candidates will attend the Officer Candidate training sessions beginning in August. Upon Sessional approval they are presented to the congregation for a vote in December. To serve, a candidate must receive a majority vote of those present and voting.

4. Who is eligible to be nominated?
According to the Scripture, any man who is called and gifted by the Holy Spirit, qualified by God’s grace and the affirmation of the church leadership and elected by the church membership. While the ordained offices of Elder and Deacon are to be occupied by recognized and qualified men, all of the Elder directed leadership ministry teams at Briarwood are designed to include both male and female leaders.

5. Why should I prayerfully consider aspiring to the office of Elder or Deacon?
Because God has given gifts of leadership to His people and He calls us not to “bury our talents” but to use them for His glory. There is no greater privilege outside the family to serve the Lord than the ordained leadership of the church, the Bride of Christ, to care for her as good stewards of the Gospel.

6. Do I have to serve as a Deacon before serving as an Elder?
Serving as a Deacon before serving as an Elder is not required. It is a sacred privilege to serve as an Elder or Deacon. One should serve in light of his gifts and calling as each office requires different passions and gifts. Because Spiritual gifts and callings change we have seen Deacons who later become Elders as well as Elders who later become Deacons.

7. How long would I serve as an Elder or Deacon if elected?
The ordination of Elder and Deacon is for life, however at Briarwood we elect Elders and Deacons to serve 3-year terms. We then allow Elders and Deacons to take a one year sabbatical before standing for election for another 3-year term.

Nominating forms are available online at briarwood.org/nominations, at the information stations
throughout the church, or by emailing lreese@briarwood.org.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 31.