Mike Jones Elder Vote

our church leadership

As you may know, Church at the Cross is an elder-led, congregationally-ruled church. That means our church is led by a plurality of men who fit the biblical description for an elder (pastor/overseer) as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-4. This group of men lead by giving and defending doctrinal clarity, providing directional and spiritual leadership, and overseeing the identity and health of our membership. The congregation chooses who those elders are by a vote. We currently have six elders: JR Vassar, Ray Clark, Tim Rost, Taylor Brooks, Jim Johnson, and Stephen Osborne.

mike jones: elder candidate

Over the last eighteen months, Mike Jones has been in our elder candidacy process. Mike was vetted by our elders as a potential candidate in the fall of 2023 and was unanimously accepted as an elder candidate. For the last eighteen months, Mike has:

• Walked closely with our elders

• Read numerous books on theology and ministry

• Wrote response papers

• Assisted in membership interviews

• Aided elders in ministry and counseling

• Ministered to and alongside our staff

On March 4, 2025, Mike had his final evaluation with the elders where he was examined for his fitness and readiness for elder ministry, and our elders unanimously approved him to be presented to our congregation for elder appointment.

Mike and Deb Jones joined CATC in September of 2021. Since joining they have been very involved in the life of the church, serving in numerous ways through our life group ministry as Life Group Coaches, serving with our Care Ministry as leaders in Rooted, and giving freely of their time to counsel and encourage others in our congregation. If you have not met Mike and Deb, you will instantly love them. They exude the love and wisdom of Jesus, and we are blessed to have them in our congregation.

Take a moment and watch the video above to learn more about Mike and his heart to serve the people of CATC.

Congregational vote on may 18

On May 18, at our spring Members’ Meeting, we will vote as a congregation on whether or not to appoint Mike Jones as an elder. As per our bylaws, this is the 30-day notice to our members about this vote. During the days leading up to the vote, if you have any questions as to the qualifications of Mike Jones to be an elder or have any information that you believe would disqualify Mike from this role, you may submit those questions and concerns to our elders by emailing us at elders@catc.church.

We look forward to seeing you on May 18 for our meeting. If you are not able to be present but would like to vote on Mike Jones’ appointment, absentee ballots are available in the Atrium and Church Office and can be submitted before the vote on May 18.