HC Leader's Manual

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New HC Leaders Protocol

Criteria

  1. Service Requirement: the candidate must have regularly served at SP for at least 12 months, with their most recent service being within 3 months of nomination.
  2. Biblical Standards: the candidate must meet the leadership standards listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-11.Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.
  3. Mandatory Leadership Standards (By-law 7A)
    1. Sincere love for and pursuit of Jesus Christ demonstrated in regular personal worship, meditation on the Word and prayer.
    2. Demonstrated fullness of the Holy Spirit, of faith and of wisdom.
    3. Regular attendance of SP worship services and activities.
    4. Commitment to, and active participation in, a House Church.
    5. Agreement to SP’s Statement of Faith, Statement of Purposes, Vision, Mission and Core Values;
    6. A committed, cheerful giver who tithes and gives regularly to the fellowship.
    7. Commitment to discipleship training, demonstrated by having completed both discipleship courses: “Growing in Christ” and “Experiencing God”.
  4. Reference Leadership Standards (By-law 7B)
    1. A perception of leadership not as grasping for position, title, power, authority, respect, or privilege, but as a commitment to humble service and self-sacrifice.
    2. Honesty, loyalty and commitment to their pastors or overseers, and to those whom they are pastoring.
    3. Trustworthiness, with the ability to resist being bribed or bought.
    4. Commitment to an open and loving communication; to solving relational problems; to processing anger constructively; to encouraging and building up; and to maintaining confidences strictly.
    5. Willingness to be a “team player” and to help SP succeed.
    6. If married, a strong, loving marriage in which both the husband and wife are committed to the church.
    7. Capable and respected, mature in the faith, and with proven ministry ability.
    8. Willingness to be judged by strict standards and to accept reproof.
    9. Love for people and for Jesus, without desire to benefit personally at the expense of the flock.
    10. Commitment to equipping others for ministry through active recruiting, training, deploying, monitoring and nurturing.
    11. Commitment to doing excellent work, taking responsibility seriously, being proactive, planning and executing well.
  1. Has gone through inner healing with River.
  2. Already serves as an HC Helper in a leadership role.

Step 1: Praying with your co-leader

Raising a new HC leader is a process, not an open invitation to the group. It involves dedicated discipleship, prayer, and thoughtful selection.

Pray and discuss the potential candidate with your co-leader. Look for peace and confirmation in prayer.

Questions to consider:

  1. Do they love God?
    1. Do they seek an intimate relationship with Him?
    2. Do they want to hear His voice and follow His will?
  2. Do they love people?
    1. How have they served others?
    2. Do they have a heart for shepherding?
    3. How do they handle conflict?
  3. Do they consider SP their church family?
    1. How is this demonstrated?
  4. Capabilities?
    1. Emotional intelligence (EQ)
    2. Leading discussions and prayer
    3. Ministering to others
    4. Summarizing sermons

Step 2: Nominating your Member

Once you feel peace about the candidate, you can fill out the HCL Nomination Form: bit.ly/spdeacons

The candidate will be reviewed by the following:

  1. HC Cluster Leader
  2. Ministry Leader
  3. Board of Directors (BoD)
  4. Local Elders

Once all confirmations are received, the HC pastor will give you the green light.

Step 3: Talking to the Candidate

After receiving the green light, discuss the role with the candidate. Share with them:

  1. Why you are asking them?
  2. Why they are a good fit?
  3. The expectations of the role.
  4. The plan moving forward.

Ask about their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. End the conversation by encouraging them to pray about the decision and ask how much time they need.

If their answer is “NO,” respect their decision—this role should not be forced on anyone.

Step 4: HCL Candidate Form

If they say “YES,” ask how they came to that decision.

Have them fill out the HCL Candidate Form: https://forms.gle/M8bX6i9KPtzDge8x8

Let them know Pastor Kenny will contact them to arrange a meeting. After the meeting, it will be decided if they will officially become an HC leader.