Elder Team

Canvas Elders are responsible for the well-being of the church. They seek to provide support and guidance through a shared commitment to:

  • Personal Growth

    Elders themselves are engaged in some form of regular counseling, spiritual direction, 1 to 1, or group work which provides a consistent context for being known and receiving guidance.

    They demonstrate an openness and desire for growth and health in all areas of life.

  • Familiarity

    Elders are consistently present as participants at Canvas events.

    They seek to know the people of Canvas through presence, time together, and relational initiative and investment.

  • Service

    Elders provides ongoing leadership presence and/or oversight to at least 1 area or ministry team.

    They seek to be in touch with and aware of all aspects of the church through attendance of meetings, and timely engagement with written communication.

    They provide support and oversight to Canvas staff.

We’d love to hear
from you

Please use the form below to nominate individuals for the elder role who you have consistently observed to be followers of Jesus in pursuit of health, wisdom, and maturity. In addition to these traits, potential elders should be people known for observable commitments to personal growth, familiarity with the community, and service.

A Message from
Dan Hauser

On Sunday, June 23rd, Dan Hauser shared an update related to the elder team and invited the community to participate through ongoing service, prayer, discernment, and nomination. To read Dan’s announcement, click here.

FAQs

Who is the team made-up of and how many people serve?

We strive for an even mix of male and female elders. It is not recommended that members of the same household of full-time staff serve on the elder team. The Elder Team consists of 12, but no less than 4 individuals from Canvas plus the Lead Pastor. At all times there must be more than 3 non-related individuals on the team.


How long do Elders serve?

Elders are elected for a 3 year term, which is followed by a second 3 year term if there is consensus amongst the team it would be beneficial.

The initial Elder Team which was formed before the adoption of these bylaws of Canvas may elect to continue to serve, and will enter into a rotation schedule on a staggered basis for moving off. No member, (other than a Lead Elder or Treasurer) of the initial Elder Team’s term shall serve more than six years from the beginning of their time serving in the role, including that time that preceded the adoption of these bylaws.

What is the process for nomination and selection?

Canvas will have an open nomination period once per year (typically in June, though the timing may shift from year to year). The nomination period will be preceded by a description of the Elder Team and qualifications for participation.

Nominations should list reasons why this person should serve on the Elder Team. An individual who desires to serve as an Elder may not submit their own name.

Following this nomination period, the Elder Team will, by consensus, select the candidates and begin a series of meetings with the candidates which will include:

An initial meeting with the candidate and members of the Elder Team to discuss the ministry of the Elder Team, the process and any initial questions. They will discuss their personal faith journeys, their resonance with the mission, identity, and rhythms of Canvas Community Church, and their vision for the ministry of Canvas Community Church.

Further meetings with one or two Elders and the candidates may be scheduled to discuss various issues per the Elder Team’s discernment. The Elders or the candidate may terminate this process at any step.

After the meetings with the Elder Team, a final list of candidates will be presented to Canvas Community Church for confirmation, this should be no more than 30 days after the nomination period begins. If any participant of Canvas Community Church is aware of any reason that a candidate should or should not serve as a Elder or has a need to reconcile any part of their relationship with a candidate, the participant should express that concern to the candidate first and then, if needed, to the Elder Team within the two week period after the announcement.

After the two-week period and upon a unanimous vote of the Elder Team, a formal call will be extended to the candidate(s). The candidate(s) who accept will be presented to Canvas Community Church for prayer/commissioning at a regular community gathering.