The Elders

Top Row (Left to Right): Eld Min. Jeff Harris*, Craig & Marcia Martin (Elds. at large), Eld. Michael Campbell*, Estella Tolbert (Eld. at large), Eld. Emeritus Duane Spears, Eld. Melody Humphries*, Eld. Dr. Christie Lawrence*, Ira Rounsaville (Eld. at large), Eld. Rev. Christy Howard-Steele*, Ben Bridges (Eld. at large) Seated (Left to Right): Eld. Carmelita Afflalo*, Eld. Doyin Gomih*, Rev. Dr. Alise D. Barrymore, PHD, Darlene Turner (Eld. at large), Eld. Madie Anderson*     *Sitting Table of Elders

 

The head of The Emmaus Community is Jesus Christ.  As a Christian community of faith, we seek to reflect G-d’s priorities in all we do and how we do it.  That is, no decision is ever made that would knowingly contradict any of Jesus’ teaching.  In addition, through the guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we endeavor to discern G-d’s direction for us as a community of faith.  Whenever we implement a plan, we keep one eye on our effectiveness, and the other eye on our core passions. “What” we do is as important as the “how” we do it.  Moreover, we consistently seek the next steps G-d would show us.

Broadly speaking, the Table of Elders is comprised of (1) those that fulfill the duties of lay ministers, including the responsibilities of discipleship, discernment, teaching and disciplining; and, (2) those that have experience and giftedness in areas of management and administration. More specifically, as a group of men and women who are given the task of overseeing the life and health of The Emmaus Community, the Table of Elders provides ministry and governance for the congregation. The Elders delegate the daily organizational management and leadership to the Lead Pastor.

Elder’s Hotline: (708) 481-7025

The Table of Elders meets bi-weekly to provide the following leadership for The Emmaus Community:

  • Support the Lead Pastor in discerning and executing the vision/mission for TEC.
  • Establish Policy.
  • Establish a Multi Year Strategy.
  • Establish Annual Goals.
  • Establish an Annual Budget.
  • Ensure that the Core Values are embodied in the organization’s plans and actions.
  • Provide Subject Matter Expertise and Advice.
  • Provide Subject Matter Team Leadership.
  • Spearhead Fund Development for Operations, Operating Reserves and Capital Expenditures.
  • Ensure the organization complies with applicable federal, state & local laws and regulations.
  • Provide financial decision making for large operating/capital expenditures and investments.