An Elder is to be identified and confirmed by the congregation through a process of nomination, testing and approval, election and ordination. The Elder’s qualifications are evidences of God’s grace, expressed in the gifts and character traits set forth in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1:6-9, the spiritual motivations and ambitions expressed in I Timothy 4:12-16 and I Peter 5:1-4, and the ministry functions described in Acts 20:28-38. .

All Elders have a dual role in the church – shepherding the people and oversight of the body (Acts 20:28-31). As defined in the Book of Church Order, “As he has the oversight of the flock of Christ, he is termed bishop or pastor. As it is his duty to be grave and prudent, an example to the flock, and to govern well in the house and Kingdom of Christ, he is termed presbyter or elder”. There are two distinctions of Elder:
Teaching Elder – Typically called Pastors or Ministers, these men are called to feed the flock by reading, expounding and preaching the Word of God and to administer the Sacraments;
Ruling Elder – These are laymen who have been called and are ordained to the administration of the church. The ministry of the Ruling Elder is that of a man called and equipped by God, to share with the Teaching Elder and other active Ruling Elders (the Session) in the spiritual oversight (shepherding) of the flock and the wise government (rule) of the church.

In order to increase unity, communication and interpersonal relationships, the Wildwood Session consists of a smaller volunteer group of the Teaching and Ruling Elders. The Session is committed to building community with one another, accountability and prayer. This enables the Session to be better prepared to discern God’s activity in our church and community, living the gospel within our community, discipleship and mentoring (feeding the flock) and developing vision for the future of Wildwood (leading the flock).

The Session meets weekly, with special meetings as necessary. In addition the Session Elders meet with Non-Session Elders and ministry team leaders in the “Wildwood Leadership Team Gatherings” several times a year. They also participate in the annual Elder retreat.

The focus of Non-Session Elders is the shepherding of the flock by leading groups and ministries, discipleship and mentoring, involvement in Elder teams (Finance, Personnel, & Judicial), and available for service and ministry as necessary.

Wildwood Elders (currently on Session) :	Bob Evans, Teaching Elder	Barksdale Pullen,  Teaching Elder
Bob Burton	Greg Costas	Jimmy Hill	John Schmidt
Len Stirrat	Michael Holland	Mike Zoda	Mitch Drew
Randy Lashua	Thom Park	Tim Broeseker
Wildwood Elders (currently not on session)	Ben Brown        Elder Emeritus	Bob Nabell	Charlie Brewer
Eric Haug	Jack Morris	Jeff Trostle	Lynn Hagood

Not Pictured:

• Frank Bierling, Elder Emeritus
• Lex Collins
• Carl Medders
• Todd Veleber, Teaching Elder