Principally, the New Testament teaches that the Lord has given the “gathered church” final authority on matters of church discipline (membership) and the selecting and removing of officers (elders and deacons). This is what is meant by “congregationalism.”
“Elder-led Congregationalism” means that God has given elders the charge to lead and oversee the church, under the guidance of God’s Word, to carry out the mission Jesus has given the church—namely, to make disciples of all peoples, baptizing them, and teaching them all what Jesus has commanded (Matthew 28:18-20).
The elders/pastors oversee with pastoral oversight all things regarding the worship, health, function, discipleship, and ministry of the church. We are a church family that is KNOWN, LED, FED, and PROTECTED by a plurality of elders. The primary way elders lead the church is through the public and private teaching of God’s Word (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9) and by equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). Therefore, there are five key areas where the congregation should vote, based on biblical and prudential reasons:
Membership and Discipline: The church decides on membership and discipline, following the principles in Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5. The congregation also performs the final stage of discipline by vote (see 2 Corinthians 2:6).
Leadership: While the New Testament doesn’t specify a voting process for elders, Acts 6 shows the early church selecting leaders from among themselves. Congregational voting on elders and deacons aligns with this precedent and the need for public rebuke of erring elders (1 Timothy 5:20).
Doctrine: According to Galatians 1, the entire congregation is responsible for doctrine. Thus, the church should vote on adopting or changing its statement of faith to prevent false teaching.
Budget: Although there’s no direct biblical command for voting on the budget, it’s prudent for the congregation to approve it. This ensures the church takes ownership of its spending plan, akin to how the Macedonian church eagerly contributed to the collection for the poor (Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8:3-4).
Bylaws: Voting on bylaws and the church constitution is a matter of wisdom. While the New Testament doesn’t detail church voting on bylaws, it’s practical for the congregation to formally agree on operational rules, delegating decision-making to its officers while retaining authority over key matters as outlined in Scripture (membership and discipline).
“Elder-led congregationalism” gives final authority and therefore responsibility to the “gathered” congregation. However, the church does not vote on everyday matters such as non-pastoral staff hires, building maintenance, sermon schedules, Sunday School curriculum, or other routine operational issues.
elders/PASTORS
Miles Rohde - Elder
Blaine Donaldson - Elder
Jonathan Bonetti - Elder
TRANSITIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM*
Nick Quinn
* When the lay/staff ratio is not possible, due to a lack of trained and available Elders, Transitional Leaders may be appointed by the Elders and Membership. These Transition Leaders will have equal decision-making authority with the Elders. They will not serve in terms. They will be replaced as soon as vetted, qualified, and approved Elder candidates are available (RGC Bylaws, Section 11.05).
DEACONS/MINISTRY DIRECTORS
Jona Gallegos - Worship Ministry
Melissa Gallegos - KiDS Ministry
Jill Wheatley - CONNECT & Gather Ministries
David Massey - Security Ministry
Men’s Ministry
Women’s Ministry
Financial Accountability committee
Jonathan Bonetti
Tom Crouch
Andrew Mills
John Forester
Brooks Wheatley