Since the emphasis at Spirit of God Fellowship is on body ministry—and that everyone has a gift to offer the body—we honestly consider everyone to be “full-time”. As a result, the leadership at Spirit of God Fellowship is fairly loosely structured.
Aspiring to leadership is truly an honorable goal. Still, we are each always first called to lead where the Lord has placed us. Truly, it is there that we will develop a personal sphere of authority as we learn to walk yoked with the Lord. The skill…and peace…developed there will give us the needed maturity to step into ever deepening levels of authority and responsibility.
Simply stated, as a person functions in their gift, their calling and gifting will soon become recognized by others. “Leadership” at Spirit of God Fellowship, then, can more accurately be considered a result of maturity rather than a position to be reached for.
Leading by example, John Sullivan, the “Over-Shepherd” of Spirit of God Fellowship draws no salary from the church. Since all considered full-time by the Lord, he too, is a full-time Dentist…as well as full-time Pastor.
Elders are chosen based on recognized maturity, themselves often leaders in ministries of there own. The Elders oversee, along with the Pastor, the overall direction and growth of the Church. Additionally, each Elder is himself, both a House Church as well as a “District” leader. Districts are groups of from 4–5 House Churches. The Districts provide practical oversight over home groups, as well as an opportunity for the home group leaders, themselves, to also receive ministry.
Deacons, similar to the Elders, are also chosen based on recognized maturity. The only difference is that their individual gifting make them more well suited to the daily administering of the financial and the “practical” needs of the family of believers, the Church, it’s properties and it’s ministries.