Grace Church Aurora

Elders & Deacons

Grace Church Aurora is Governed by Elders and Deacons

The Bible describes a church that under the headship of Jesus Christ as administrated by Elders, assisted by Deacons. The benefits for this type of government are many. Accountability is provided within the team format; leadership is given through men with a variety of spiritual gifts; and decisions are made through the wisdom of many.

Responsibilities of an Elder:

To be an Example - “Christ-like example”

Be an example and pace-setter for others, and evidence character qualities and public reputation that every Christian should possess. Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-7

To be an Overseer - “Of the Affairs of the Church”

Spiritual leaders are responsible for the overall direction of the church, even though many others execute the various specific tasks. They insure that structures are created and people are mobilized to move toward those goals. 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28

To be a Shepherd - “People are Loved and Cared For”

Someone who guards, feeds and cares for God’s people like a shepherd with a flock. The shepherd is responsible to equip God’s people for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13), by guarding them from false teaching, giving them good spiritual counsel and food from God’s Word, training them, and comforting and helping them (Acts 20:27-31). The shepherd must be one who is sensitive to the needs of the people, knowledgeable in God’s Word and willing to invest the time necessary to care for individuals.

Mission Statement of the Elders

To be the Elders God desires, loving Him and pursuing His heart for Grace Church Aurora.

To accomplish this goal, we will:

Shepherd the church family, ensuring that guiding, guarding, modeling, caring, and feeding take place
Oversee well the affairs of the church
Be a model ministry team

Values that Guide the Elders' Service and Decisions

Be primarily strategic
Build leadership
Empower, don't overpower
Be intimate with God
Seek unity
Operate in a godly manner

Responsibilities of a Deacon:

To assist the Elders, freeing them to devote themselves to their God-given responsibilities (Acts 6)

Staff

Pastor Ed Perez

Deb Clapper

Ed received his undergraduate degree at the College of Biblical Studies in Houston, his Master of Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary, and is currently working on his Doctor of Philosophy in Bible and Theology at Calvary University. Ed is married to Sarah and they have three children: Iliana, Bubba and Hannah.

Deb Clapper

Deb Clapper is a charter member of Grace Church Aurora who attended its first service in May 1981 and has been with us ever since. She and her husband, Dick, raised their three children here, and she joined the staff in 1992. Much of her work is behind the scenes, yet Deb is integral to the smooth and efficient operation of our ministry. Being Office Administrator is not just a job to Deb, it is a ministry. We are grateful to God for her deep love for this congregation and for their ministries. If you need any information about Grace Church Aurora, contact Deb Clapper.

Ministry Leaders

Duane Spence, Awana Director

Duane trusted Christ in college. He has always had a heart for the family and kids. His first ministry with kids was for Whiz Kids an organization that provides tutoring and christian mentoring for elementary kids in downtown Denver. After starting to raise his own family, he took a break from children's ministry until joining Grace Church Aurora and the current commander was going to be moving away. His small group leader encouraged Duane to consider so he visited the club. Well, needless to say, 16 years later he still loves working with the Awana families, volunteers and of course kids! He hopes to get a chance to meet you.