Throughout the centuries, God used leaders to accomplish His will and mission. when Moses was leading the people through the wilderness his father-in-law, Jethro, was concerned about his welfare and gave him this advice in Exodus 18:19-21:

"Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. But select capable men from all the people - men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain - and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens." (NIV)

In Numbers 11:16 these men are referred to as "elders":. Both this title and form of ministry were adopted by the first-century church. The elders were responsible for leading, feeding, loving and protecting the church. In the New Testament Paul gives practical insight for church leaders in I Timothy 3:1-10 and Acts 20:28-31.

The term "deacon" appears in Acts 6 as a servant-leader who was called to a specific task. The specific task these men supervised was the daily distribution of food.

As we look for leaders at Union Christian Church we consider the Scriptures and understand that these men must be qualified. It is apparent that they must have both spiritual qualifications and personal character of the highest measure. They are to be the very best candidates the church has to offer.