LOPC is governed by a group of elders elected by the congregation. They are shepherds of the church watching over and caring for the spiritual welfare of the congregation. A team of deacons is also elected to watch over the physical needs of the church and the members. Elders and deacons work together on Care Teams to care for all the church flock.
Elders
The biblical concept for the elder is being a shepherd: “Shepherd the flock of God among you” (1 Peter 5:2). With the pastor they look out for the spiritual welfare of the church members. They minister to their people with God’s Word and with prayer. Like shepherds, they see that their flock is spiritually fed, and they come alongside their people in time of hardship. As a group, they also govern the church, meeting monthly to discuss the needs of their flock.
Deacons
The biblical concept for the deacon is being a servant. Just as the first church in the New Testament found that it was essential to have men “full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3) to serve the physical needs of the church, so our deacons serve the physical needs of the whole church and of individual members. As a team they see that all the worship and ministry activities are carried on without distraction. They also meet monthly to coordinate care for the facilities, activities, and individual needs.