The Order of Elders is "a covenant community within the church, providing mutual support, care, accountability, and nurturing for those ordained as Elders." All Ordained Elders are members including those who are retired and those serving beyond the local church. The goal is to unite all Elders into a more unified body of Christ. In order to help the process of "unifying" the Order, different occasions for team building, discussion, and fellowship are established. In addition to the clergy luncheon, the Elders gather at least once a year as a whole for fellowship, food, fun, study, and worship. The Order is developing ministries within each district promoting small group fellowship with both active and retired Elders.
There is an executive committee that is elected each year at the Executive Session of the Annual Conference. The executive committee consists of one person from each of the eight districts of the conference along with the Chairperson. Tenure on the committee is set according to "classes," giving the committee continual additions of new members each year.
The Quadrennial theme of the North Georgia Elders is " Order of Elders. Above All, Harmony Through Christ's Love. " There are many issues that can divide Elders and our emphasis is not only to confront these, but also to accent what makes us "one." It is agreed that we are one in Christ, one through communion, one in covenant, one by our call to ministry, and one in affirmation by the church. In the midst of our diversity and differences, we can still affirm our oneness.
The Quadrennial theme is based on Colossians 3:13-15, "Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful."
We invite you to participate in your Elders Order. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Chair of the Executive Committee of the Order of Elders.