How We Function

BYLAWS

Our bylaws govern the way that we function as an organization. A copy is always available upon request and one must read and affirm them before becoming a member. In general, we are elder-guided and member-affirmed. Meaning the elders (and, when necessary, the deacons) guide the mission and vision, but only move forward with a majority vote from our membership on church-wide issues.

ELDERS

These are men who are called and gifted to shepherd the flock. This includes managing (1 Timothy 3:4–5), tending (1 Peter 5:2–5), giving account (Hebrews 13:7), using authority (Acts 20:28), teaching (1 Timothy 5:17), instructing in doctrine (Titus 1:9), and disciplining (Matthew 18:15–17).

These are men who meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. At Griggs, they are to provide pastoral care, spiritually lead the church as a whole, cast vision for the future of the church, and equip members for the work of the ministry.

DEACONS

These are individuals who support the elders and serve the church by taking on high-level tasks typically related to the business side of ministry so the elders can focus on the spiritual side. In our context, this includes things like maintaining church property and distributing benevolence.

Similar to elders, these individuals must meet the qualification requirements put forward in Scripture. (1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:7)

MINISTRY DIRECTORS

These are men and women who are supporting the elders and the church by providing leadership. They oversee ministries and the volunteers who run them. This can include Griggs Groups and every other area of ministry (Griggs Kids, Welcome Team, A/V, Worship Team, etc.) Every ministry “department” has a ministry director lovingly taking charge.