Names are submitted by active members of First Reformed Church (FRC).

Nominees are evaluated based on the following biblical criteria:

• Do they meet the biblical qualifications for the nomination? (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9)
• Are they a member of FRC? (Acts 20:28 – “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.”)
• Are they currently serving at FRC? (Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”)
• Are there any disqualifications? (1 Timothy 3:2-7, Titus 1:6-9 – Moral and spiritual qualifications are outlined.)

The list may be refined based on the initial criteria. Remaining candidates will be assessed for their ability to contribute to both unity and growth within the group. This process includes:

• Prayer (Colossians 4:2 – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”)
• Biblical study (2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”)
• Conversations about current needs and future direction (Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”)

Final candidates will then have formal conversations regarding:

• Their desire to serve (1 Peter 5:2 – “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.”)
• Their calling from God (Ephesians 4:11-12 – “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service.”)
• The impact on their family (1 Timothy 3:4-5 – “He must manage his own family well... If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?”)
• The commitment required (Luke 14:28 – “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”)
• Their knowledge of Scripture and doctrine (Titus 1:9 – “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”)
• The seriousness of the role (Hebrews 13:17 – “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.”)

The elders will spend time in prayer and fasting before voting on the final candidates. We will seek God’s guidance and
apply biblical wisdom in making our decision.

• Prayer and fasting (Acts 14:23 – “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord.”)
• Seeking God’s guidance (James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”)
• Voting and decision-making (Acts 1:26 – “Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.”)

Once chosen, the candidate will be invited for a time of prayer and commissioning.

• Laying on of hands and prayer (1 Timothy 4:14 – “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”)