Some thoughts on how we try and operate as Wells:

We honour Jesus as the Head of the Church and therefore the leader of all that we are and do. We also honour all believers as leaders, having both liberty and responsibility.

As an organisation, each Well should have, or be working towards, a plurality of people in the position of leadership (aka leaders/elders/slaves), to facilitate the implementation of the vision and values.

It is expected that the people put in a position of leadership will meet and adhere to the biblical qualifications for eldership a la 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, etc, including being “above reproach”.

Self funding leadership. The norm is for those in a well leadership position to be earning their own living. They may receive some outside support but they are not to be financially supported by the Well that they are part of.

The goal of those in a position of leadership is to encourage those that they lead into leadership (of themselves, of others, and, if appropriate, into a position of leadership), and ultimately into an ongoing colleagueship with Jesus (cf Eph 4). Therefore their manner is to be that of a servant, facilitator, encourager, and example mainly and occasionally as a governor of what goes on and a teacher if necessary.

Those in a leadership position appoint others to a position of leadership. This process should simply be a ‘formal’ recognition of those who are already leading.

We believe in accountability through relationships. So, each person in a poition of leadership seeks to play an active part in the life of the church in the town.

People in leadership positions regularly network with each other and aim to build relationships with the wider church in the town. We are not isolationists!  Practically – this means being involved in joint church initiatives; inviting other local church leaders to speak into our lives and well; affirming ‘cross congregation friendships’.