The Elder Mentorship Program is a 9-12 month commitment to mentoring men of God who may be considered for future service as an elder of Canyon Hills Community Church. The qualifications for entering the program are as follows: Life and ministry must be observable by at least five or six pastors/elders, be a member of CHCC for a minimum of 2 years, and currently be serving in a ministry or attending a LifeGroup. The Program is divided into three phases.

Phase One

Mentorship Candidates will be invited by letter and phone to attend an orientation meeting explaining the overall program goals and objectives. They will then be invited to participate in a five week study of Dr. Lynn Anderson’s book: They Smell Like Sheep. This study is a biblical look at the qualifications and role of the elder. It will be lead by the chairman of the elders on Sunday mornings during the 9am worship service. At the conclusion of this study each candidate will determine whether or not to continue to phase two and officially enter the program.

Phase Two

This phase begins with an application which includes a personal inventory, writing of personal testimony, an elder qualification assessment, and a doctrinal questionnaire. Once the application is completed each candidate and his wife will meet with an elder to go over the application and clarify any questions regarding responses to the application.

Once the application is accepted, the 9-12 month journey of mentorship begins. Each candidate will be assigned to an existing elder for regular one on one monthly mentoring and accountability while studying Oswald Sanders book: Spiritual Leadership.

The areas of elder involvement will include but not be limited to:

1. Attend elders meetings twice a month (2^nd Monday PM and 4^th Friday AM)
2. Participate in praying for congregation at monthly concerts of prayer during church services on first weekend of the month along with spouse.
3. Pray for the sick as needed
4. Visit a LifeGroup to encourage the group and their leaders
5. Participate in a Tuesday evening visitation ministry call
6. Open one elders meeting with 15 minute devotion

Phase Three

At the conclusion of the mentorship program the candidate will meet with the Eldership to confirm that this is God’s will for them and for Canyon Hills Community Church. If the Eldership and the candidate are in agreement that he meets the qualifications as given in Scripture (1Tim 3:1-15; Titus 1:5-9; 1Peter 5:2-3), the names of the potential Elders will be presented to the congregation for examination and approval.