We believe the church belongs to Christ and that He is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18). 
Under the leadership of Jesus, we practice a shared leadership model of church government, where the church is led by qualified elders who shepherd, oversee, and teach the church body; as well as qualified deacons who serve alongside to carry out practical ministerial and administrative duties in the church.

The leadership that Jesus entrusts to his church is to function through these two offices: Elders and Deacons. In fact when Paul opens the letter to the Philippian church, he begins:

“To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons”
Philippians 1:1

Elders (aka overseers) primarily lead through teaching, prayer, providing guidance, and meeting spiritual needs. Deacons primarily lead through meeting the physical needs and lead in their service. When the church leadership is functioning in this capacity, the result tends to be that all the needs of the community are being met and the gospel is able to advance to reach those outside the body of believers.

If you are interested formal church leadership here at Reality Church Stockton, we strongly encourage you to read over our Paths to Leadership document prior to applying for an office.

Paths to Leadership

Elders

In the New Testament, God sets up elders for the care and oversight of the church, which he obtained with his own blood (Acts 20:28). These qualified men shepherd, teach, pray for, and love the church at their own detriment. However, men are not given the right to be elders as a birthright or by desire alone.

“God provides objective, observable qualifications to test the subjective desire of all who seek [an] office… Desire alone is not enough; it must be matched by good character and spiritual capability.”
Alexander Strauch, Biblical Eldership

In our commitment to creating open avenues of communication and opportunity for member’s to voice their interest in formal leadership here at Reality Church Stockton, anyone who believes themselves to be both called and qualified for the office of elder may apply for consideration by completing the form below.

Elder Application
Elder Nomination Form

Deacons

Early in Acts, the Apostles told the “full number of the disciples” to “pick out from among you” reputable individuals to be appointed to the duty of caring for the physical needs of the church (Acts 6:1-7). In keeping with this biblical method, we have provided forms below so that members of Reality Church Stockton can nominate qualified men and women for this office.
Deacon Nomination
Deacon Application