Rockpoint Church Governance
& Leadership

What is church governance?

Church governance is the biblical and organizational way a church is led, cared for, and held accountable
and helps ensure the church stays faithful to God’s Word, unified in mission, and healthy in practice;
Rockpoint Community Church is governed by what we call “Council”.
Who is on Council?
The Council is the primary governing body of the church.
It is made up of:
  • Elders
  • Deacons & Deaconesses (the Diaconate)
  • Pastors
Together, the Council provides spiritual oversight, leadership, and direction for the church. 
What does the Council do?
The Council:
  • Provides overall leadership and oversight
  • Seeks God’s will through prayer, Scripture, and discernment
  • Sets vision, direction, and policy
  • Ensures faithfulness to the church’s mission and values
  • Oversees the life, ministries, and health of the congregation
Think of Council as one leadership body with different callings working together. 
What do Elders do?
Elders are responsible for the spiritual care and oversight of the church.
They:
  • Shepherd and spiritually care for members
  • Encourage faith, discipleship, and godly living
  • Provide pastoral oversight and accountability
  • Help teach the bible and doctrine
  • Pray for and with the congregation
  • Support and supervise the pastors in spiritual leadership
In simple terms:
Elders care for the spiritual health of the people. 
What do Deacons and Deaconesses do?
Deacons and Deaconesses lead the church in compassion, generosity, and service.
They:
  • Care for members and neighbors in practical need
  • Administer benevolence and mercy ministries
  • Encourage generosity, stewardship, and justice
  • Mobilize the church to serve the community
  • Reflect Christ’s love through acts of compassion
In simple terms:
Deacons & Deaconesses care for the physical and practical needs of people and the community. 

How do I become an Elder 
or part of the Diaconate?

Becoming an Elder or Deacon/Deaconess is not something you apply for like a job—
it’s a calling that is prayerfully discerned by both the individual and the church.
1. A sense of calling
It usually starts with:
  • A growing desire to serve and care for others
  • Faithful involvement in the life of the church
  • A sense that God may be inviting you into deeper leadership
Often people say, “I feel God nudging me toward this,” or others begin saying, “You’d be great in this role.” 
2. Being nominated by the congregation
Most churches invite members to nominate individuals they believe are spiritually mature and gifted for leadership.
You may be:
  • Nominated by another member
  • Encouraged by a current Elder, Deacon, or Pastor
  • Invited to consider the role through prayer and conversation
This step emphasizes that leaders are recognized by the community, not self-appointed. 
3. Discernment by Council
The Council prayerfully reviews nominations and considers:
  • Spiritual maturity and character
  • Faithfulness in worship and service
  • Alignment with the church’s mission and values
  • Gifts that match the role (spiritual care or mercy/service)
  • This is done with prayer, conversation, and reliance on God’s guidance.
4. Confirmation and affirmation
Once candidates are selected:
  • They are presented to the congregation
  • Members are invited to affirm the nominees
  • The church officially recognizes their calling
This reinforces that leadership is affirmed & accountable 
5. Ordination or installation
Those who are affirmed are:
  • Ordained or installed during a worship service
  • Prayed over and blessed by the church
  • Publicly set apart for a specific term of service
What's the difference in calling?
Elders
  • Focus on spiritual care, shepherding, prayer, and oversight

Deacons & Deaconesses
  • Focus on mercy, compassion, justice, generosity, and service

Both are equally important—and both reflect the heart of Christ. 
If you're interested...
If you feel drawn toward serving as an Elder or in the Diaconate:
  • Pray about it
  • Talk with a Pastor or current Council member
  • Stay engaged in worship, service, and community life
  • Be open to God’s timing and the church’s discernment

Often, God uses faithful presence long before formal leadership.