Who is eligible for nomination?
There are three requirements for someone to be nominated for office at Heartland. First, only men are eligible for nomination. Second, he must be a member in good standing (i.e. – actively participating in the life of the church). Third, he must meet the qualifications as laid out in 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9, and Chapters 8-9 of the Book of Church Order (click here to see these qualifications).
Why are only men eligible for officer nomination at Heartland?
We believe the Bible clearly teaches that only men are called to serve in the church office of elder or deacon (see 1 Timothy 2:12, 3:1-13; Acts 6:1-6; Exodus 18:21-23). We affirm and are committed to the Bible’s teaching on the complementarity of men and women, which leads us to affirm the full dignity of men and women as created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-28). While women are not eligible for the officer of elder or deacon, we affirm that women may serve in a variety of other leadership roles. For more information on our position of women serving in the ministry of the church please see the PCA Report on Women Serving in Ministry.
What about this year? Will we have any nominations to the congregation?
That depends. If an inactive elder or deacon is nominated, they will be eligible to be elected at this year’s congregational meeting provided they pass the exam with the Session. If any men nominated have never been elected by this congregation and ordained at Heartland, then they must participate in the new Officer Training Cohort first.
How do I nominate someone?
After you have 1) reviewed the qualifications for elder & deacon, 2) prayerfully considered if any Heartland men meet those qualifications, and 3) personally asked him if he aspires to the office, then you may submit the online form.
Are nominated inactive elders/deacons required to attend the Officer Training Cohort?
Those who’ve been elected and ordained by this congregation and ordained are not required to take the Officer Training Cohort. However, returning officers are highly encouraged to participate in an Officer Training Cohort.
What if I’ve previously taken the Officer Training/Leadership Sunday School Class?
Even if you’ve taken the old class, if you haven’t been elected and ordained by this congregation then you are required to participate in the Officer Training Cohort.
When will the Officer Training Cohort meet?
The tentative schedule is to meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the months of January – September (with some exceptions during the summer months). We will meet from 6:30-8:30pm. This schedule is subject to change. The overview and schedule are available on the church website here.
Are all those who are nominated eligible for election?
No. Only candidates who are provisionally approved by the Session, have successfully completed the Officer Training Cohort, and have passed the officer examination with the Session are eligible for nomination.
I nominated someone but I don’t see his name listed for election at the congregational meeting. What happened?
Not all men who are nominated for office will be recommended to the church for election. Some may decline the nomination, some may withdraw at some point during the nomination process, and others may be asked by the Session to withdraw. Declining or withdrawal from the process is not to be a matter of embarrassment or shame. Rather, it is a matter to be thankful to the Lord for providing clarity and discernment to all who are involved.
How many elders and deacons serve at any given time and are there terms?
According to the Heartland By-Laws, there are to be no more than nine (9) ruling elders and nine (9) deacons actively serving at a time. Heartland Officers ordinarily serve three-years terms and are eligible for nomination and election for a subsequent three-year term. Officers who serve two back-to-back terms (i.e. - 6 years) are required to take a sabbatical year the following year.