We follow the New Testament as the primary model and guide for leadership in the church. As the Apostle Paul was establishing the early churches, it was his practice to appoint from among the members of that church a plurality of men who met certain qualifications to serve in the office of the eldership. Both the apostle Paul and the apostle Peter directly charged the elders of the church to pastor (shepherd) and oversee the local congregation. Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1,2

The qualifications of overseers and elders are found in the New Testament in 1 Timothy 3:1-8 and Titus 1:5-9. These qualifications are very significant and are a high calling for all men to pursue. Serving as an elder requires that a man reflect the continual growth of these characteristics in his life, a heart for service and high commitment. No one man has all the gifts and personal ability required to be the perfect elder and shepherd.

First Christian is an independent church under Christ. Guided by a Board of Elders, we determine our own policies and practices in light of biblical expectations. First Christian is an elder-led church, with high trust and confidence given to the professional staff to execute and pursue the daily mission of the church. Along with leading, the elders also serve alongside the staff to encourage and support them in their ministries, to share the burdens of pastoral care, prayer, teaching, leading and serving alongside the church family.

The church also has a legal corporate structure that requires our board to function as a policy-making body and oversee the activities of the church. Elders must be elected and affirmed by ballot of a majority of the church membership in attendance at the annual meeting, held each December, to show our confidence in them to lead First Christian.

God has laid upon the shoulders of these few men important and sometimes difficult responsibilities. The work is important and it requires proven and qualified men to do it in a manner that brings the most glory, growth and stability to the kingdom of God. The men on this elder guide have committed to serve God and this local church family to the best of their ability and for God's glory.

Our current elders include Rick Jones, Todd Pettepier, Larry Royce, Paul Damrow, Phil Covington, and Jamey Cline.

Below you can see the elders to be affirmed for 2025. This takes place at our annual meeting, which is a small part of the service on Sunday, December 8.

Jamey has been serving as an elder for many years. He and his wife Lisa live in Council Bluffs and have been attending First Christian since 2013. Jamey volunteers regularly on our First Impressions Team and helps lead both a Sunday School class on Sunday mornings and a Life Group during the week.

Phil has served on our elder team for 2024 after stepping on for the first time. He and his wife Vanessa live in Glenwood and have been attending since 2016. Phil has been helping lead our Mens Ministry events and helping men learn how to better follow Jesus.

Paul stepped onto our elder team at the beginning of 2024. Paul and his wife Julia live in Silver City and have been attending First Christian since 2015. He has been service on our Worship & Arts team for many years, helps lead our Mens Ministry team, and also volunteers as part of our Security team.

Rick has been an elder for the last four years, serving as the chair of our elder team for the last two years. He and his wife Kim live in Council Bluffs and have been attending First Christian since 2003. Rick volunteers with our Kids Ministry team and helps lead a Life Group during the week.

Todd has served for many years as an elder at First Christian. He and his wife Deb live in Council Bluffs and have been attending First Christian since 1986. Todd has had many roles with our Kids Ministry over the years, currently leading our 4th and 5th grade kids.

Reed Allen is stepping onto our Elder team for the first time in January 2025. Reed and his wife Heidi live in Glenwood and have been attending First Christian since 2019. He has led in several ways here, including volunteering regularly with our First Impressions Team.