Leadership at Madison
Governance overview
Madison Church is a multi-site church that meets in three locations. Each location has its own elders and deacons and the elders and deacons from all three sites gather monthly as all-site council. The deacons and elders, together with the pastors, are responsible for the governance of the church.
You can reach the councils by email at:
- northcouncil@madisonchurchgr.org
- southhillcouncil@madisonchurchgr.org
- squarecouncil@madisonchurchgr.org
ELDERS
Elders serve by exercising oversight of the church in Christ’s name. The apostle Paul told the elders at Ephesus: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Elders watch over the doctrine and life of the church. They must provide for the true preaching of the Word, instruction for faith formation for both youth and adults, regular celebration of the sacraments, and faithful counsel and discipline while keeping in confidence those matters entrusted to them. They must promote fellowship and hospitality among believers, ensure good order in the church, and stimulate gospel witness to all people.
DEACONS
Deacons serve by leading and equipping the church to minister to its members and the world in a rich diversity of ministries, awakening compassion, demonstrating mercy, seeking justice, and collaborating with God’s Spirit for the transformation of persons and communities. In imitation of Christ’s mercy, deacons teach us to love God, our neighbors, and the creation with acts of generous sharing, joyful hospitality, thoughtful care, and wise stewardship of all of God’s gifts. Deacons offer holistic responses that respect the dignity of all people, working to change exploitative structures and systems, equipping the church for ministries of reconciliation and peacemaking, and seeking opportunities for advocacy. Deacons identify and develop gifts in both the church and community. By adding to all this words of encouragement and hope, deacons demonstrate in word and deed the care of the Lord himself.
