elders
Celebration Church's Elders Staff
ELDERS
Celebration Church's Board of Elders
The Scriptures teach that a plurality of elders governed individual New Testament churches (Acts 14:23, 20:28; Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:5). A plurality of godly elders, exercising their individual giftedness, squares with the Scripture's teaching that wisdom is found in a multitude of godly counselors (Proverbs 11:14, 12:15, 15:22, 19:20, 24:6.).
The biblical teaching on the subject of the church offices of elders and deacons is found in 1 Timothy 3:1-15 and Titus 1:5-9. Though there are three terms used for the offices of the church, i.e. bishop, elder, and deacon, a careful analysis of these terms indicates that bishop and elder are used interchangeably. Celebration has a Board of Elders and uses a system of Ministry Team Delegates who serve in the capacity of deacons.
General Responsibilities of the Elders
The Scriptures are clear that the primary responsibility of elders is the spiritual oversight of the congregation; therefore, the spiritual matters of Celebration are managed by its Board of Elders. All decisions affecting overall doctrine, direction, and discipline at Celebration are the responsibility of the Board of Elders. The Elders primarily:
- Ensure the doctrine of Celebration remains purely biblical; all doctrinal issues in Celebration are settled by the Board of Elders;
- Ensure the direction of Celebration remains consistent with the statement of purpose and core values as outlined in the church Bylaws; and
- Administer in love and humility the biblical process of church discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-20 and Galatians 6:1-4.
Selection of Elders and Qualifications
All Elders at Celebration Church are selected by the existing Board of Elders and added when they are needed, identified, and adequately evaluated. Members of the existing Board of Elders will identify men within Celebration who are already functioning in Elder-like roles. Normally, these are men who are already serving in leadership and ministry capacities in some form within Celebration.
Qualifications for the office of an Elder include that each person must be (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9):
- Above Reproach – An Elder must be blameless, respectable, and have a good reputation. He must be one against whom it is impossible to bring a valid charge of wrongdoing.
- The Husband of One Wife – Celebration Church believes this scriptural mandate is a prohibition against polygamy. In other words, the Elder is to have only one wife at a time, and he is to be completely faithful to his wife.
- Manage His Own Family Well – If an Elder has children, they must be obedient and respectful.
- Self-Controlled – An Elder must be one who is sensible, gentle, and reasonable, not quick-tempered, quarrelsome, or violent.
- A Lover of What is Good – An Elder must be disciplined, just, upright, and one who seeks after righteousness.
- Free from the Love of Money – An Elder must love Christ, not the economic means of influence in the world.
- Not Given To Drunkenness – An Elder must not consume inordinate amounts of alcohol.
- Hospitable – An Elder must be one who personally and corporately welcomes everyone into fellowship.
- Able to Instruct Others in Truth – An Elder must adhere to biblical truth, teach sound doctrine, and refute false teaching.
- Not a Recent Convert – An Elder cannot be a new convert who lacks wisdom and understanding; otherwise, he may become conceited.
Rod Healy
Elder
Rod and his wife Terry met in college and have been married for 39 years. They have one son, David, who is married and lives in Knoxville. Rod and Terry have one grandson.
Rod’s passion is to help Christians understand how great a salvation we have been given through Jesus Christ. And through our fellowship with Jesus and the Father, to confidently step out in the power of the Spirit to apprehend God’s great calling and amazing plans for our lives. Rod enjoys studying God’s word and sharing His word with others.
Rod is retired from Eastman after 28 years of service. His educational background is in mathematics and computer science. Rod’s hobbies include fitness, fly-fishing, and snow skiing.
Jim Moore
Elder
Jim and Brenda met in high school and married in January of 1970. They have lived in the Tri-Cities for the past 32 years and have 2 sons. Chris and Kelly, along with their sons, Tyler and Jake, live in Kingsport and are a part of Celebration Church. Jason and Lindsay live in Charleston, SC. Jason has 2 children, Haley and Matt.
Jim's passion is to see the people of Celebration Church connect with a living relationship to Jesus Christ and each other as is seen in his involvement in Missions, Men's Ministry, and small groups. He enjoys teaching at Celebration in different venues.
Jim is V.P. of Facilities at Wellmont Health System where he is highly respected among his peers. He has a Bachelor of Theology degree from Beacon Theological Seminary. Jim and Brenda enjoy hanging out with family and friends while camping, going to the beach, or Corvettes and car shows.
Chuck Perry
Elder
Chuck was born and raised in Jackson, TN, and gave his life to Jesus around the age of eight. He attended Tennessee Tech University and graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1989. He joined Eastman Chemical Company soon after graduation and currently works in Polymers Division.
Chuck met Becca on a blind date and they were married in 1994. He and Becca have two children, Emma and Russell. Chuck enjoys participating in small group Bible study and loves to see people grow in their relationship with Jesus through study of God’s Word. His favorite family activity is camping; he also enjoys swimming, reading, motorcycle riding, and small engine repair.
Barry Smith
Elder
Barry was born in Gadsden AL and raised in Columbia TN. He graduated from Tennessee Tech in 1964 and attended Ouachita Baptist University for two years. He and his wife, Linda, have been married since 1961 and have two sons, Ken and Kevin. Barry spent two years on active duty at Ft. Hood, TX, then enjoyed a 31-year career with TN Eastman. Having been called to minister the Word in the workplace he now leads Precept Bible studies. Retirement gives him opportunity to enjoy woodworking, playing the dulcimer, and participate in Walk to Emmaus. His passion is to see God change lives and transforming prayer.
Gert Van Der Westhuizen
Elder
Gert hails from Pretoria, South Africa, where he met Marie while in college. They were married in 1985 and have three girls, Tania, Michelle and Amy, and a son, Christiaan, who is with the Lord. Gert is a diagnostic radiologist with degrees from the University of Pretoria, University of Orange Free State, Eastern Virginia Medical School and Duke. He and his family moved to Kingsport in 2002 and have attended Celebration Church since that time. Gert is passionate about the field of radiology; he practices at Holston Valley Medical Center.
Gert grew up in a Christian household. For many years, he thought of himself as a "mediocre believer" but through various trials, especially the death of his infant son, the Lord wooed him into a deeper relationship. Gert and Marie enjoy hosting a small group in their home each week. Gert's heart's desire is to keep growing in faith with fellow believers and to encourage others to have a deeper walk with Christ. Gert and Marie enjoy God's creation, spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling and going to horse shows with their girls.
