It takes an important team of people unified under God’s mission to serve and lead the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches. One part of that team is the Elder Board – a group designed to bring spiritual care and guidance. Comprised of intentionally selected individuals from various regions that represent the FEC, the Board meets quarterly to discuss things like bylaws, interviewing potential pastors, directors, or coordinators, and caring for the leaders. Jonathan Farrell, chairman of the Elder Board and lead pastor at Grace Church in Morton, Illinois says the Elder Board’s vision is to “shepherd the shepherds and care for those who are plowing the fields.”
Some practical ways the Elder Board served the FEC family in 2024 were approving 17 credentialed individuals, ordaining four, and touching base personally with each of the more than 200 existing credentialed personnel. This check-in takes place each year and is meant to be an “expression of availability” says Jonathan. “Without healthy leaders, we’re not going to have healthy churches.” Elders offer prayer support, encouragement, and the opportunity for pastors and leaders to ask questions, express concerns, etc.
“Connecting with others in the body is always a blessing,” Jonathan says. “It’s been a joy and a privilege to get to know a number of people throughout the Fellowship that, apart from serving on the Elder Board, I wouldn’t have had interaction with.”
This month, the Elder Board will gather for one last meeting along with delegates and other leaders to discuss next year, affirm any changes, and review how God worked throughout 2024.
