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Elder Selection Process Approval Phase
Over the past couple of years, we have been working diligently to transition to a congregational model of church governance led by a plurality of elders. The goal of this transition has been to align our polity to reflect the biblical teaching that local churches are best led by a team of godly men.
There are practical reasons why this transition is important for MVBC. First, a plurality of elders model gives MVBC a better foundation for growth and longevity. MVBC is being served well by its current leadership and will benefit in the future by the continuity of philosophy and objectives when one within the team of elders transitions into the lead pastor role. Continuity and consistency are both benefits of the plurality of elders model.
Second, a plurality of elders model benefits MVBC because it allows for the sharing of certain pastoral responsibilities. We all have responsibilities that are part of our specific roles, but the benefit of sharing the responsibilities of leadership and oversight should be celebrated since it will likely protect the pastors from ministry burnout.
The process of this transition has been multifaceted. In 2025, the pastors led the church through two preaching series. The first series was called, Thriving Through God’s Priorities. This series helped us understand God’s priorities for a local church. God has specifically established what a church ought to be and do. We were challenged to understand His design, commit to it, and allow it to permeate every facet of our ministry. The second series was called, Thriving Under God’s Authority. Jesus Christ is King and He has been given ALL authority by God the Father. Jesus' authority is perfect. He will never use His authority to harm anyone. We cannot say the same for human authority, even in the Church. This sermon series explored the way Jesus intends human authority to be exercised within the local church so that it can thrive.
Also in 2025, MVBC went through a process of changing its constitution and bylaws. We held multiple Review Team Meetings and Information Meetings where we went through these documents section by section, presenting the proposed changes and the rationale for each change. These changes were voted on and approved during the business meeting on November 16, 2025.
As part of that meeting a document was also approved that explained a hybrid model for bringing our current pastors through the Elder Selection Process. It was agreed that Pastors Dave, Aaron, and Joe had no need to go through the Observation Phase and the Nomination Phase of this process. They would need to complete the Assessment Phase, the Preparation Phase (if deemed necessary), and the Approval Phase.
Here are the highlights of this process:
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Pastors Dave, Aaron, and Joe each completed the Testimony and Financial Questionnaire, the Doctrine and Shepherding Questionnaire, and the Confidential Personal Questionnaire.
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Pastor Greg Odiorne, Mike Volante, Steve Cook and Andrew Higgins reviewed the questionnaires and discussed appropriate questions to be asked during the subsequent interviews.
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Each candidate was interviewed and the Interview Team then voted to move the candidate to either the Preparation Phase or the Approval Phase. They voted to move all three candidates to the Approval Phase.
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During September’s Deacons Meeting, the Interview Team shared their assessment with the rest of the Deacons. After discussion, the deacons unanimously voted to present all the candidates for approval by the church congregation.
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This started a 4-week window for members of the congregation to personally interact with each candidate to better understand their doctrinal beliefs and to evaluate their lives and conduct. Appropriate sections of each candidate’s Doctrine and Shepherding Questionnaire were made available for the congregation.
At the conclusion of the 4-week window, the following schedule is proposed:
October 18 – Information Meeting for Pastor Dave
November 1 – Information Meeting for Pastor Aaron
November 8 – Information Meeting for Pastor Joe
November 15 – Business Meeting to vote on approval of each individual candidate.
Attendance at the Information Meetings is encouraged, but a quorum is not necessary. These meetings allow the congregation to interact with the candidates corporately.
We ask all members to be present for the Business Meeting on November 15. This is an important day in the history of Merrimack Valley Baptist Church. Please be part of it. Please pray for it.
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