Elders

”Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.””
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God has appointed a leadership team for His church, which in the Free Church is called the elders. In the New Testament, church leadership is shared: hence the church is led by the elders together with the staff team. Elders are elected annually at the church’s autumn meeting. In Free Church practice, the elders are elected for a four-year term. In addition, two deputy members are elected each year.