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Church Elders

Traditionally, Elders were charged with overseeing the spiritual life of the congregation; ensuring purity of doctrine and admonishing members who were seen as straying from the path of salvation. This view of Elders has changed over time and can now be best characterized, in the words of Victor A. Constien in his book, The Caring Elder, Christian elders are moved by the love of Christ to a life of unselfish service in order that through the power of God's spirit people may be liberated from the power of sin and set free for their own joyful Christian discipleship. Christian elders do not bind people with rules and regulations, but declare them free in Christ to become what God calls them to be. The goal of elders in their service to Christ is that the people of God be free from the power of sin, Satan, and the fear of death so that they can lovingly worship God and care for the needs of their neighbors.

The Board of Lay Ministry (Elders) subscribes to this philosophy as it seeks to see to the spiritual and emotional needs of the pastors and congregation of OSLC. They work to do this through the Shepherding Program, which is designed to help the Elders reach out and support every member of the congregation; provide prayer counselors at the end of each service to meet special prayer needs; prayer partner with the pastors and staff members.

Elder’s Photo Gallery