The Elder Process consists of six steps.
1. Establish an Observable Track Record — Establish a known track record serving, leading and giving at Redemption Gateway with demonstrated leadership skills and observable fruit in ministry, marriage and family life.
2. Nomination Phase — The Elder Team may nominate and approach certain men whom the team thinks should prayerfully consider being an elder. When a Redemption Gateway member senses an internal call from the Holy Spirit to serve as an elder/pastor, he should make his desire known to the current Elder Team. Those men will confirm the calling and give further direction.
3. Applicant Phase — The Elder Team will assign each applicant a supervising elder, who will answer questions and be the primary point of contact for the applicant as he submits information, answers questions, and meets for a formal interview (with his wife).
4. Candidate Phase — Once a man has had his qualifications confirmed by the elders, he may enter a phase of preparation and evaluation for the specific work of eldership. This phase involves intentional mentorship by the current elders, study related to the roles, responsibilities and functions of elders, and participation in Elder Team meetings. In addition to preparing the candidate, the primary goal is to gauge the candidate’s fit and chemistry with the team. The time required to complete this phase will vary by individual.
5. Approval Phase — The candidate is brought before the congregation and the members of Redemption Gateway will be invited to give feedback about his life, conduct, and character. If a member is aware of any disqualifying sin or character flaw in an elder candidate, he or she will be urged to make the matter known to the existing elders, who will investigate the claim. Members will have a 4-week window in which to bring any concerns.
6. Installation — Following the satisfactory completion of all requirements, new elders will be installed publicly at a Redemption Gateway worship gathering.