I recently read an article about pastors and what causes (or can cause) burnout. One of the largest causes of burnout is division within a church’s eldership. At Element, we believe the word “elder” is synonymous with the word “pastor”; as a result, Element’s eldership is very small—currently only three people. If you were to count all the people Element has had as elders (including those who have moved away), our total would be a whopping five people.
 
You can go to the “Who We Are” page of our website and see our list of current staff and elders (myself, Eric, and Mike), but this doesn’t show you Tom Holmquist (Montana or bust) or Jonathan Whitaker (who occasionally teaches when he is back in California or writes a blog when he is feeling whimsical).
 
The article I read showed that if a church has a power struggle among the Elders, the burnout risk is four times as high! If the Elders have a bad relationship with one another, the risk is almost five times as likely. Yet, when the Elders act in a singular vision, burnout is nearly cut in half. Praying together also has the effect of cutting the risk of burnout in half.
 
I tell you this because the Eldership at Element is on the same page in what we hope Jesus would do in all of our lives. We want to see Jesus high and exalted (above ourselves), redemption understood in how Element functions and teaches, and true worship lived out in everything we do as a church body. We believe the Gospel is practical and speaks to every part of our lives. I feel blessed to serve with the Elders at Element.
 
In the coming months, Element will be entering a new phase of life. Our lease in our current building will be ending and we will be moving. In the midst of this transition, I want you to know that our vision hasn’t changed (although, it may have become more refined over time). Your Elders want to see Jesus proclaimed in all we do—no matter where we are. It is humbling and exciting, and I hope you share in those feelings as well.
 
1 Peter 5:1-2 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
 
We serve under our great Head Shepherd, Jesus. It is an honor and privilege to lead and serve Element as a church body, especially because we can trust Jesus in where He leads us.