Our Leadership
As a Reformed Baptist congregation, we believe that the local church flourishes under the leadership and care of a plurality of elders and deacons. The two offices of elder and deacon are explained in Titus 1 and 1Timothy 3. This plurality of elders and deacons is not only biblical, but practical — it has the immense benefit of rounding out the pastor’s gifts to ensure the proper shepherding of God’s church.
Each year, members of Grace Fellowship Church are encouraged to prayerfully consider men in the congregation they believe God may be raising up to serve in these offices. If these men are eager to serve, and a congregational vote confirms them to the role, we welcome them to be a part of these offices.
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”
-1 Timothy 5:17
Elders
Elders are the primary ecclesiastical authority in our church. They are responsible for making decisions on key matters of life and doctrine, and for pastoral ministry to the people of our congregation. As church members, we submit to them as to the Lord, and we support them in whatever ways we can so that they may be free to discharge the duties God has given them.
Our current elders: Pastor Dave Thompson, Edgar Vizcaino, Charls Gomez, Paul Thompson, Pedro Guzman
Deacons
Deacons were instituted in the book of Acts as a supporting role to the Elders (Acts 6:1-7). Their job is to manage the day-to-day operations of the church and take care of such concerns as budgeting, benevolence, and building maintenece. Because of their ministry, our elders are freed up to serve as God has called them, and our church is able to operate smoothly and efficiently.
Our current deacons: Matt Rine, Carl Bellinghausen, Aaron Tripp, Marc Paccioli, José Llibre, Mike Costanzo
Office Bearer Pledge
The following is a statement of faith which must be pledged by all elders and deacons in Grace Fellowship Church:
- Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, inerrant in the original writings, and the only infallible rule of faith and practice?
- Do you sincerely accept the doctrinal standards of this church (as expressed in the London Baptist Confession of 1689) as embodying the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures, which this church is bound to maintain?
- Do you acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as the only Redeemer and Head of His church?
- Do you promise, as God gives you grace, such subjection to your brethren as is taught in the Word of God?
- Have you been induced, as far as you know in your own heart, to seek this office from love to God and a sincere desire to promote His glory in the Gospel of His Son?
- Do you promise, as God gives you grace, to be zealous and faithful in the maintaining of the truths of the Gospel and the purity and peace of the church, whatever persecution or opposition may come to you on that account?
- Do you promise, as God gives you grace, to be faithful and diligent in your personal and family life, as well as in the public duties oif your office, endeavoring to adorn the profession of the Gospel by your life, and walking with exemplary holiness before the church?
- Are you now willing to undertake the work of an elder/deacon, and do you promise to discharge the duties of this office as God may give you strength?