Our Structure Of Leadership

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

There are basically three forms of government in Christian churches, with variations on each.

Congregational: This newest form, is a reaction to the abuses with the church government in England. (Catholicism never really left England, it simply changed names, as the Archbishop of Canterbury became the English Pope.) Congregationalism puts power into the hands of the voting members but potentially placing popularity over pastoral leadership. The pastor can function as an employee, and spiritual leadership can be reduced to personal preferences and political pressures from various members.

Presbyterian: With John Calvin came the form of government in which elders had the authority and ruled the church. The pastor was the leading elder, and in Calvin's time the system was not too different from the Episcopal described below. Calvin himself originally appointed elders, acting as a biblical bishop.

Luther (15th Century) functioned episcopally, but the Lutheran church became far more congregational when it came to America (which it remains).

Episcopal: This form existed in the church for the first 15 centuries and is still practiced by probably 80 percent or more of the church. We believe it is most in keeping with the model of the early church (New Testament.) The pastor of the church functions as a bishop. He is called of God (or should be) and functions with multiple elders, ministers, pastors.

• There is a primary pastor (bishop) along with many elders, ministers, pastors (Acts 15).
• The elders believe the pastor is called of God and gladly submit to his leadership.
• The elders are appointed by the pastor. (as Paul told Timothy to do).
• The pastor believes in and submits to the counsel and ministry of the appointed elders.
• The pastor is a servant leader and shepherd ... not a hireling.
• The goal is to honor mutual service, not political power.

This is the form of government in all the Vineyards because it is most biblical and functional. There is room for abuse in any system - the success of government depends upon the trustworthiness and heart of the pastor or elders.

PRESENT FORMATION

We see the Vineyard as a movement submitted to Christ and led by the Holy Spirit. We believe God leads His people through submitted leadership. Leaders themselves however always remain fallible by their own limited perspectives and maturity and are in need of structures of counsel and accountability. Such structures are not to constrain God's work but to help cover and support the work of the Spirit among God's people.

We also recognize that true authority is born of responsibility. As such, the structures of leadership in this church are those which reflect various levels of responsibility. These include the following:

1. The Association of Vineyard Churches: While each Vineyard is legally autonomous and independently incorporated, we are joined by a shared partnership of values, convictions, priorities and relationship. For the sake of mutual submission, training, fellowship, and mission there is a corporation of Vineyard Fellowships called the Association of Vineyard Churches. This support and oversight is extended through Area Pastoral Coordinators. As a local fellowship our relationship to this Association is a voluntary choice of mutual submission and support and does not govern our decision-making process except to officially confirm our senior pastor and the general integrity of our ministry and affiliation.

2. Church Council (Elders): The spiritual oversight and significant leadership decisions of our local fellowship are shared by a Church Council, made up of Senior and Associate Pastors and Elders from the church family. The Council is divided between a Board of Governing Elders who are primarily responsible for the broad oversight and subsequent decision making of the VCF-Westside ministry, (and serve as the Board of Directors for the corporation according to California Law), and Pastoral Elders who are primarily responsible for the pastoral oversight, discipleship and mentoring of leaders in the church. The Senior and Associate Pastors serve in both functions of eldership. Others called as Elders will generally serve in one role according to their gifting, but may at the discretion of the Senior Pastor serve in both roles. Together the Elders of the Church form the Church Council. The Governing Elders in particular serve the purpose and goals of our ministry through:
   1. Intercession: personal prayer and support of one another and the Vineyard Family.
   2. Evaluation: assessment of current church life and plans according to our established purpose and priorities as well as the leading of the Holy Spirit.
   3. Representation: liaison involvement in different areas of church life.
   4. Stewardship: final evaluation and management of resources, including major financial decisions, staffing, and salaries.
   5. Reconciliation: reconciliation in un-resolved conflicts and restoration of those who may enter a disciplinary process.

3. Leadership Team: This team is made up of all Elders, Home Church leaders, and similar pastoral and ministry leaders. Leaders (or the entire team of those who serve) meet monthly for the purpose of prayer, support, discussion, training, and direction from the senior pastor. Each individual leader is also personally supported, mentored, and overseen by a member of the pastoral staff or pastoral eldership.

4. All Church Meetings: We believe it is important for all who share in this ministry to gather for the purpose of direction, discussion, and prayer.

   At such meetings certain decisions affecting the life of our Fellowship may be set forward for confirmation both through open discussion and discernment as well as prayer and prophetic words. Furthermore, input of any type will be welcomed at any time by all pastors and elders. That which is received from active members (i.e., participating in fellowship, ministry, and giving) will be given especially serious consideration and is best offered in writing in order to be shared accurately with others.