Alister Chapman recognised as Elder

It is with joy and thanksgiving that we can report that at a church meeting on 26 September, Eden's members voted to call Alister Chapman to serve as an elder. He was officially recognised as an Elder at a morning service in November. Alister has previously been a member of staff at Eden as a pastoral worker.

Alister joins Julian Hardyman, David Tricker and Haleem Talibudeen on the team of Elders which serves the church with spiritual leadership, teaching, and pastoral care.

The post of Elder at Eden is described in part by this extract from "A Firm Foundation", Eden's statement of Articles of Faith and Rules of Practice:

"Among the regular tasks of the elders' priority must always be given to the supervision of all aspects of the teaching and pastoral ministry of the Church. In particular, they are to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation share our fundamental convictions concerning the nature and content of the Gospel of Christ. In respect of pastoral work, the elders must ensure that all members receive spiritual help and counsel."

See also (where the term "Overseer" is used in place of "Elder").