Consistory Nominations

Dear MAMily,

As we begin to consider who will serve on our Deacons and Elders Teams for this next season, I ask that you join me in prayer. Let us pray that God will guide us in bringing the individuals He desires to our leadership team.

To help guide our reflections and prayers in the coming weeks, I've put together what I'm calling "The 4 C's of Consistory." Please take a moment to review them, and let's pray together.

The 4 C’s of Consistory Leadership at Maple Avenue Ministries (MAM)

At Maple Avenue Ministries, leadership is not merely a position—it is a sacred calling. Serving on the Consistory is a commitment to shepherd the church in spiritual discernment, mission, and love. Leadership here is marked by four essential qualities: Clarity, Capacity, Consistency, and Character.

Each of these C’s helps us fulfill our mission to be a multicultural, multigenerational, and missional church, rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Below is a deeper explanation of what each quality means and why it matters.

1. Clarity

“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it.” – Habakkuk 2:2 (NRSV)

Clarity means being in agreement with the vision and direction of MAM. Leaders must understand where God is calling our church and align themselves with that purpose. You should be able to articulate the vision and help others connect their lives to it.

John Calvin emphasized clarity in spiritual leadership, saying:

“A pastor needs two voices: one for gathering the sheep, and another for driving away wolves.”

Clear understanding helps us do both—encourage and protect the flock.

Ask yourself: Am I clear about where MAM is going? Am I committed to walking in that direction with the church and encouraging others to do the same?

2. Capacity

“Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters.” – Colossians 3:23

Capacity refers to your personal, relational, and spiritual ability to serve well. Do you have the time, energy, and relational bandwidth to attend meetings, help guide ministry teams, and support the congregation? Do your family commitments allow for this level of service?

Karl Barth reminds us:

“To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.”

Capacity isn’t only about time—it’s about spiritual readiness and the willingness to be part of God’s redemptive work.

Leadership is not just about being busy; it’s about being available—to God and to God’s people.

3. Consistency

“Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

Consistency speaks to reliability in spiritual practices and church involvement. Leaders should have a regular devotional life, faithfully attend worship, and participate in church activities. Leadership without spiritual rhythm is like a well without water.

Howard Thurman wrote:

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it… Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

Consistency in spiritual practices keeps leaders alive in Christ.

Leadership means showing up—even when it’s hard—because your presence matters to the people you serve and to the One who called you.

4. Character

“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” – Colossians 3:14

Character is the cornerstone of godly leadership. Trustworthiness, humility, and a growing pursuit of a Christ-like life are non-negotiable. Leaders must live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Martin Luther King Jr. declared:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

John Calvin wrote:

“We should ask God to increase our hope when it is small, awaken it when it is dormant, confirm it when it is wavering, strengthen it when it is weak, and raise it up when it is overthrown.”

Good character is formed in daily reliance on God’s grace.

We’re not looking for perfection, but we are looking for people whose lives are moving in the direction of Jesus.

Final Encouragement

Leadership is not for the faint of heart—but it is a sacred gift. We encourage you to pray, reflect, and discern whether God is calling you to serve in this season. As Karl Barth once said:

“The Church exists to set up in the world a new sign which is radically dissimilar to the world’s own manner and which contradicts it in a way which is full of promise.”

The Consistory at MAM is such a sign. Let’s lead in a way that honors Christ and blesses His church.

In His Grace,
Winfred Burns II