Leader Cohort

COHORT OVERVIEW

What a joy it is to welcome you into this journey of growth and sanctification! To be a spiritual leader in Christ’s church is an extraordinarily high calling. In fact, like Paul — as men who have been saved by grace and through faith — it is the apex of our earthly existence (Romans 15:20).

Paul wrote to Timothy, in 1 Timothy 3:1, saying: This is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work. While the terminology of leadership may very from church to church, the task remains the same: each church is called to raise up from within men who can lead the congregation. Paul told Timothy, in 2 Timothy 2:2, what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Brothers, there is no greater work, no higher calling, than the giving away of the gospel, from one generation to the next. The fact that you are visiting this page is evidence of your desire to devote your life to this noble work. Whether vocationally, bi-vocationally, lay leader, or deacon, your life can — by God’s grace — be lived towards this end.

It is our desire, as a church, to walk with you each step of the way! Use the drop down tabs to learn more about the cohort. When you’re ready to apply, simply click the Apply button and get started!

MORE INFORMATION

  • According to the New Testament, elders/overseers are to be the primary spiritual leaders of a congregation. Their foundational responsibilities include teaching/preaching the Word and shepherding the souls of those under their care (Eph. 4:11; 1 Tim. 3:2; 5:17; Titus 1:9; Heb. 13:17). Elders/Overseers may be full-time, part-time (bi-vocational), or volunteer (lay) leaders in this work. While the time commitment may vary, the task is always the same: each elder/overseer serves as an under-shepherd to our Chief Shepherd, Christ, who works by His Spirit in us to faithfully care for His flock.

    Deacons, too, have a crucial role in the life and the health of the local church, but their role is different from the elders/overseers. The Biblical role of deacons is to take care of the physical and logistical needs of the church so that the elders/overseers can concentrate on their primary calling.

    This distinction is based on the pattern found in Acts 6:1–6. The apostles were devoted to prayer and to the ministry of the word (v. 4). Since this was their primary calling, seven men were chosen to handle more practical matters in order to allow the apostles the freedom to continue with their work. This division of labor is similar to what we see with the offices of elder/overseer and deacon. Like the apostles, the elders/overseers’ primary role is one of prayerful leadership and the preaching/teaching of God’s Word. Like the seven, deacons are empowered by the elders/overseers to serve the more practical needs of the congregation.

  • The similarities of the qualifications for deacons and elders/overseers in 1 Timothy 3 are striking. Like the qualifications for elders/overseers, a deacon must not be an addict (v. 3), not greedy for dishonest gain (v. 3), blameless (v. 2; Titus 1:6), the husband of one wife (v. 2), and an able manager of his children and household (vv. 4–5).

    The focus of the qualifications is the moral character of the person who is to fill the office: a deacon, like an elder/overseer, must be mature and above reproach. The main difference between an elder/overseer and a deacon is a difference of gifts and calling, not character.

    There’s nothing extraordinary about these virtues. But as Don Carson once said: an elder/deacon does what an ordinary Christian should do extraordinarily well. He’s a model for the whole flock. He’s a picture of maturity for all.

  • Because the character of a elder/overseer/deacon is of the utmost concern, men who are called to serve in either capacity should set aside intentional time to invest in their spiritual growth. Far more important than what we do, is who we are becoming — by faith — in Christ.

    At TGC, the Leader Cohort exists to guide this growth journey. Here are a few things you need to know as you consider what the Lord might be leading you to do:

    • Don’t worry about your title. While you will undoubtedly have opportunities to discern your calling over the coming months, this process is designed to develop your character; to help you mature in your faith and become more like the Lord Jesus.

    • The bar is high. The significance of our work demands a serious commitment. You will be asked, as part of this journey, to set aside one Sunday night a month, for a year. It is expected that you will order your life around this commitment and make attending and engaging a priority. Additionally, you will also be challenged to read 4 books throughout the course of the year. Finally, it is expected that every man seeking to serve would take part in our church gatherings, a GroveGroup, give of their time/talents/treasure, and go (as God gives opportunities) with the gospel.

    • The payoff is glorious. Strip away everything else from our lives and underneath it all, here’s what’s true: we all long for significance. We all long to love our wives and families well. We all want to make a difference. Brothers, this is the beauty of serving in Christ’s church! When we give attention to our character, allowing the Spirit to shape us into the image of the Son, the transformation He works touches every other part of our lives. We are better husbands, we are better dads, we are better leaders, we are better men — and in all of these things, Christ is glorified!

  • Here are the meeting dates for 2024. All meetings are scheduled to run from 6-8PM (unless noted otherwise).

    Sunday, January 21

    Sunday, February 18

    Sunday, March 17

    Sunday, April 14

    Sunday, May 19

    Sunday, June 23

    Sunday, July 21

    Sunday, August 18

    Sunday, September 15

    Sunday, October 13

    Sunday, November 17

    December - TBD

    Those participating in our Leader Cohort should also make plans to serve at our annual FORGED (3/1) and Prayer Conference (3/15-17) events.