Elders

As a fellowship we follow the Biblical pattern of having both Elders and Deacons forming the Leadership of the church.  The church constitution and rules allow for three Elders, elected for three year terms of office by the members of the fellowship.  We currently have a full Eldership.

The Pastor and elders work together in the role of Elders, with the Pastor not being above the Elders but actually a part of the Eldership and one whom the Elders hold to account in the discharge of the role of the Pastor.

The job of the Elders is fourfold:

1. Doctrinal - to discern the winds of doctrine that can so easily lead us astray, and hold the fellowship closely to the doctrinal basis of the fellowship whilst keeping secondary matters in their place.
2. Teaching - to encourage and direct the Pastor in the ministry of God's word to the fellowship, in the planning of future ministry programmes, and in oversight of teaching in every area of church life.
3. Pastoral - to discern the spiritual needs (as distinct from health or practical needs) of those within the fellowship and work alongside the Pastor in ministering to those who are young or weak in the faith and those struggling in their walk with God.
4. Vision - to look ahead to the future development of the fellowship, and discern God's will for what should be the fellowship priorities and direction.

Our three Elders are as follows:

Steve Clarke

Steve works as a Chartered Surveyor.  Steve has been a member of the Diaconate of SBC for many years, and has held a large number of roles across the Diaconate before becoming and Elder.  Steve has oversight, with Alwyn and Murray of the Pastoral needs of the fellowship and helps Alwyn with Pastoral visits.

Jon Dolman

Having been brought up in a Christian home in South Wales, Jon came to faith when he was 15. He moved to Somerset in 2003 as part of his medical training, and is currently working as a GP.  Jon is married to Esther and they have 2 boys who are in the first few years of school.  Within the Eldership, Jon works with Alwyn in the overview of Teaching and word ministry of the fellowship, and currently also continues to hold oversight of the Youth work in the church.

Murray Taylor

Murray is a retired GP.  Murray has huge experience of church life, having previously been an Elder and held many church leadership positions in a large city church in Bath.  Murray has particular oversight of the Pastoral needs of the fellowship, working with Alwyn and Steve Clarke in visiting and helping those with spiritual needs.

The Elders and the Pastor together share the responsibility for Doctrinal matters and Vision.