consistory, staff, and leadership
consistory
The basic leadership structure of the church is called, The Consistory, which is composed of installed elders, deacons, and ministers. Continue scrolling to learn more about the leadership structure.
Board of Elders
David Janssen (2018), Greg Visser - Chair of the Elders (2018), Ann Query (2019), Keith VanZoeren - Vice President of Consistory (2019), Ruth Berghorst (2020), Susan Den Herder (2020)
Board of Deacons
Kathi Carlson-Treasurer of Consistory (2018), and Sheryl Dykstra (2018), Robert Blanton (2019), Cortney Sluiter - Chair of the Deacons (2019), Neil Besteman (2020), Melissa Boersma (2020)
staff
Rev. Eric Barnes
Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults
eric@srczeeland.org
Gordon Bruns
Director of Music
music@srczeeland.org
Rachel Klompmaker
Seminary Intern
rachel@srczeeland.org
Doug Postma
Facilities Manager
doug@srczeeland.org
Rev. Karsten Voskuil
Pastor, President of Consistory
karsten@srczeeland.org
Rev. Miram Barnes
Associate Pastor of Young Families, Clerk of Consistory
miriam@srczeeland.org
Amber Eledge
Housekeeping
ambereledge@gmail.com
Hope Olson
Administrative Assistant
office@srczeeland.org
Jordan VerMeer
Seminary Intern
jordan@srczeeland.org
leadership flow, accountability, and trust at second church
WHO DOES WHAT AND WHY?
A. CONSISTORY: INSTALLED ELDERS, DEACONS, AND MINISTERS
The Consistory combines the ministerial functions and governmental powers of the offices of minister, elder, and deacon in the service and supervision of the local church. The whole body acts as the representative of the congregation.
Core Responsibilities of the Consistory: overall body of discernment for the congregation; action and deliberation regarding all matters not specifically assigned to the board of elders or board of deacons; direct supervision of ministers; overall responsibility over staff; provision for worship, discipleship, and mission; overall care and stewardship of property and financial interests; nomination/election process for new consistory members; relationship with classis and denomination.
officers: president, vice president, clerk, treasurer, chair of the elders and chair of the deacons.
B. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE CONSISTORY: OFFICERS OF CONSISTORY
The Executive Committee of the Consistory is a gathering of the consistorial officers for the purpose of overall coordination and communication.
Core Responsibilities of the Executive Committee: formulate agenda for the regular meetings of consistory; work with Personnel Committee in providing supervision and support to the staff; ensure healthy communication between the various bodies of the consistory, congregation, and classis; act as a sounding board, when asked, for broader consistorial matters.
C. BOARD OF ELDERS: INSTALLED ELDERS AND MINISTERS
The Board of Elders give leadership to the wider spiritual health and vitality of the church.
Core Responsibilities of the Elders: consideration of membership (including baptism and professions of faith); stewardship of the care and spiritual growth of the church; ensuring the proclamation of the Word and administration of the sacraments; church discipline.
Delegated Responsibilities: adult discipleship; care ministries; youth and young adult ministries; ministries with children and young families; the worship committee; weddings
D. BOARD OF DEACONS: INSTALLED DEACONS
The Board of Deacons give leadership to the wider mission and outreach of the church.
Core Responsibilities of the Deacons: community and global mission; specific stewardship of buildings and grounds; management of financial resources and budget process
Delegated Responsibilities: neighborhood outreach; mission partnerships; property committee; financial stewardship
Please note: much of the language from this document is taken from the RCA’s Book of Church Order.
Approved by Vote of Consistory, 11/24/15