It seems like everyday we hear of tragic leadership failures in the local church. This should not be. God has outlined how His Church is to be led.

In Acts we see Paul plant churches and loop back to those young churches to faithfully and carefully assign elders.

”And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” (Acts 14:23)

Paul wrote to Titus, ”This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you…”

This is why we’re working to do the same.

The Garden is currently led by Nolan with the guidance and accountability of pastoral coaches from Vision Arizona, Flatirons Church Planting Network, Strategic Launch Network and an advisory team. Under this oversight we’re developing a local elder board now.

Churches should be led by a plurality of biblically qualified men according to the qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Our elder team is currently undergoing a thorough doctrinal and practical development process with the help of the oversight outlined above.

Titus 1:7–9 says, “…an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

God’s vision is for local churches to be led by elders who know how to live on mission and who have the character to protect the mission.

You’ll notice they need to be “hospitable” meaning, to welcome the outsider. Elders evidence both love for the Lord and love for the lost. And they equip the body to be on mission by example and through leadership.

THE MISSION OF THE GARDEN IS TO MAKE, MATURE, AND MULTIPLY DISCIPLES OF JESUS.

In order to fulfill this mission the Garden is built upon three pillars:

The Word of God, the Way of Jesus, and being a compelling Witness to the West Valley.