NOTE: Read the information below and nominate those you would like for us to consider as leaders or deacons in IBCB. Send your nominations to leaders(AT)ibcberlin(dot)org or deacons(AT)ibcberlin(dot)org.

The Bible speaks of two types of biblical officers that are to serve the church: leaders (pastors/elders/overseers) and deacons. The role of the leaders is to provide spiritual oversight and strategic initiative. The role of the deacons is to provide pastoral care and practical ministry.

At IBCB, we appoint leaders to serve on our Leaders Council and deacons to serve on our Deacon Council to help direct and manage our life and ministry as a church. The process begins with your nominations, so, prayerfully review the procedure, eligibility, and responsibilities below and make your nominations. Our procedure for doing so is as follows:

• The pastor initiates the process by opening nominations for leaders and deacons
• The church nominates potential candidates for leaders and deacons
• Those nominated are interviewed by the leaders and deacons to determine availability and eligibility (see below)
• The leaders and deacons will identify potential candidates from those nominated and recommend them to the Ministry Council
• The Ministry Council will consider the potential candidates and identify those to be recommended to the church as leaders and deacons
• The Church (members) will consider the recommendations and vote (75%) on those who will serve as leaders and deacons

Leaders

Currently, our Leaders Council consists of Scott Corwin, Samuel Kaninda, and Jeff Magiera (inactive). We will review our current leaders’ ministry and recommend leaders to the church. 

Eligibility – According to our by-laws “the candidate must exhibit Christian character, have demonstrated faithful and active ministry as a deacon*, and meet the following scriptural qualifications of an overseer (1 Timothy 3:1-7)” 

*Names of current deacons and former deacons who are eligible for consideration – men and women:  Kenneth Aliyu, Lucas Ebert, Stefie Ebert, David Look, Assoum Balbasse, Priscillia Kaninda, Karen Kirner, Ronan Moris, Kasub Wibawa

Responsibilities – The Leaders Council of the church is responsible for the spiritual oversight and strategic initiative of the church.  The Leaders Council works under the direction of and in harmony with the Pastor who guides and assists the Leaders Council in their shared responsibility of the pastoral leadership of the church with a special focus on ministries of guiding, teaching, and protecting the church.

The Leaders Council shall meet at least monthly to pray about and plan for the overall supervision, teaching, protection, management, and care of people within the congregation.  The Leaders Council is made up of the Lead Pastor, Pastoral Staff, and any additional members as selected by the church to maintain a minimum of three members.  Should the number of members fall below the minimum of three, the remaining members of the Leaders Council shall consult with the Deacons Council in the accomplishment of its responsibility until the church selects qualified members to fill out the Leadership Council.

Deacons – We will review our current deacons’ ministry and recommend deacons to the church.

Eligibility – According to our bylaws “the candidate must exhibit Christian character, demonstrate faithful and active ministry in the church, and meet the following scriptural qualifications of deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-13)”

Responsibilities — The Deacons Council of the church is responsible for the pastoral care and practical needs of the church.  The Deacons Council works under the direction of and in harmony with the Pastor who guides and assists them in fulfilling their shared responsibility of the pastoral ministry of the church with a special focus on ministries of care, benevolence, and support.

The Deacons Council shall meet at least monthly to pray about and plan for the people-serving and people-caring ministries of the church.  The Deacons Council is made up of church-selected deacons and should maintain a number of qualified members sufficient to accomplish the ministry entrusted to them by the church.