Union Athens is led according to our understanding of Scripture’s guidelines for churches. In the Bible, we see that “Elders” were appointed as those responsible for the oversight and spiritual well-being of the congregation. Though the term originated with those who were older in the ancient world, the Bible makes clear that the office of Elder is primarily about character, not age.

We choose Elders according to the requirements of 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, 1 Peter 5, and Acts 20 to guard the faithful teaching of God’s word, the mission of his church, and the people of his covenant community, praying and shepherding with gentleness.

What churches often call the “Pastor” is just another Elder, with no special authority over other Elders, but a specific role to lead the church’s ministry through prayer, teaching, and equipping God’s people for his calling upon each of them- bringing the gospel to bear in our place and time in their unique ways. The Pastor also leads the work of the volunteer and staff team to effectively pursue the vision and mission of Union Athens, as an organization.

There is also a special office of servant leadership called “Deacon,” (which is an old word that just means “servant”) to oversee the church’s care for the tangible needs of the congregation, with a special focus on widows, that is described in Scripture.

Like the Pastor, the Deacons and Elders do not merely do the work within their spheres, but direct it, involving and empowering the people of God to serve in the ways he has gifted them within our church structure.