Fernvale Community Church Servant Council (Deacons and Elders).

According to our church Bylaws, Fernvale Community Church receives nominations from church members whenever we have an opening! We have a number of qualified servants, many of whom are already serving in different capacities and we want you to be aware of the expectations/responsibilities in the Servant Council. In addition to the Servant Council, we have individuals serving in different specific ministries. These ministry-specific leaders will be asked to formally lead their ministry area (for example: Children's Ministry, Women's Ministry, etc.). Membership in the Servant Council will include a term of 2 years. Our desire is that servants in our body will be able to rotate out and we will have new servants ready to join every couple of years. 

Note: while it should be considered an honor to be selected for vote, it is more important to have a full understanding of what Servant Leadership means, as defined in:

• Matthew 18:1-5, Humble as a child.

• Mark 9:33-35, Last of all and servant to all.

• and Luke 9:46-48. Least among you.

A Servant Council placement is a commitment to serve and not to see oneself as important at all, but rather as unimportant and serving according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is by no means to dissuade you, but to make you aware of a true definition and responsibility. 

As strange as it may sound, hesitation to accept the nomination is a signal of humility and may be a better indication of qualification than fervor and excitement. But we know that the Lord is the ultimate authority and assignee, so we request that you pray for at least one day before confirming or accepting a nomination. We respect and honor your decision either way. Given the scriptural demands of a deacon and elder, it is unlikely that many will be qualified, but we are seeking the heart more than specific definitions of requirement. Saul was a murderer of Christ followers before he was reassigned as Paul the apostle, so we encourage you to seek His future for you instead of your past without Him. 

EXPECTATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

Servant Council members will be prayerful and careful loving ministers to the body of Fernvale Community Church guests and members. This may include areas of expertise where you already serve, but will also include additional care and connection with guests and members. Each deacon and elder will have a responsibility to check in on the celebrations and needs of several families and individuals. We already do this work as an expression of our love for each other, but we will begin to add a level of formalization to this process. It is and always will be led by the Holy Spirit according to His Word, and the inclusion of a servant who is responsible for seeing it through is another way to deliver discipleship and brotherly love among our congregation and beyond. Everyone has a ministry in Christ; deacons and elders have the honor of helping people envision and participate in their Holy appointed ministry. In addition, the Servant Council will meet approximately once a month for one hour. 

Click here to learn more about the official Bylaw definitions and requirements.

NOMINATION PROCESS:

• Nominations will be accepted for consideration from any current, active member for a period of One Month. 

• At close of the nomination period names will be reviewed by the elder/deacon council.  

• Candidates should be an active Member of FCC for at least one year. (Council vote can override this.)

• Each candidate will visit with the Council sharing their testimony, as well as answer any questions from the group. 

• The council must reach unanimous agreement on the person(s) selected to fill the vacancy. 

• Those names will be presented to the congregation at a special meeting for approval/acceptance.

• Newly accepted elders/deacons will be recognized with the celebration of an ordination service 

• May assume the duties immediately upon acceptance by the congregation.

Please submit nominations via email to Lee Porter by May 12, 2025 at lporter@aspiringmark.com

Current Servant Council Membership (April, 2025)

Rusty Trotter, Interim Pastor

Lee Porter, III, Worship Pastor

Matthew Blount

Michael Card

Marsha Glover

Mark Long

Tommy Tomlinson

Vallrie Worthington