Washington State Diocese (COOLJC)

District Elder Resources

Region XII COOLJC – Washington State Diocese

District Elder Leadership Guidelines

Strengthening Oversight • Supporting Pastors • Advancing the Work of the Diocese

Welcome, District Elders of the Washington State Diocese

District Elders serve as the vital link between the Diocese and the local churches. Your leadership strengthens pastors, supports congregations, and ensures that the work of Christ continues with excellence, clarity, and accountability.

This page provides guidance, expectations, and best practices to help you carry out your assignment with confidence and consistency.

1. Regional & Diocesan Leadership

Regional Apostle – Region XII

Apostle [Full Name]
Regional Apostle, Region XII COOLJC

  • Oversees all dioceses within Region XII
  • Provides apostolic covering, direction, and doctrinal alignment
  • Works closely with Diocesan Bishops and District Elders to ensure unity and excellence in ministry
  • Offers guidance, correction, and support as needed

(Insert contact information or official communication channel as appropriate.)

Washington State Diocese Leadership

Diocesan Bishop – Washington State

Bishop [Name]

  • Provides oversight for all churches and District Elders within the Washington State Diocese
  • Ensures doctrinal integrity, pastoral support, and administrative order
  • Works with District Elders to strengthen local churches and clergy

Local Pastors – Washington State

(Insert names as needed)

  • Serve faithfully within the Washington State Diocese
  • Support the work of the Diocese through preaching, teaching, and pastoral care
  • Collaborate with District Elders to meet the needs of the saints and the community

2. The Role of a District Elder

District Elders are entrusted with spiritual, administrative, and relational responsibilities. Your role includes:

A. Spiritual Oversight

  • Pray consistently for pastors, churches, and the Diocese
  • Provide biblical counsel and doctrinal clarity
  • Support pastors during crises, transitions, and major decisions
  • Encourage spiritual growth, holiness, and unity among the saints

B. Administrative Responsibilities

  • Ensure churches submit required reports on time
  • Assist pastors with compliance, governance, and record‑keeping
  • Communicate diocesan and regional directives clearly
  • Attend all required meetings, trainings, and convocations

C. Pastoral Support

  • Visit churches regularly
  • Strengthen pastors through encouragement, accountability, and mentorship
  • Help resolve conflicts with wisdom and impartiality
  • Identify needs within congregations and report them to diocesan leadership

D. Ministry Development

  • Promote training opportunities for ministers and leaders
  • Encourage participation in Region XII programs and initiatives
  • Support new church plants, missions, and evangelistic efforts
  • Help pastors develop strong teaching, discipleship, and outreach systems

3. Best Practices for Effective District Elder Leadership

1. Communicate Consistently

  • Maintain open communication with pastors
  • Respond promptly to calls, texts, and emails
  • Provide clear updates from the Diocese and Region XII

2. Be Present and Visible

  • Attend services, anniversaries, and special events when possible
  • Build trust through presence, not just authority

3. Lead with Integrity

  • Model holiness, humility, and accountability
  • Avoid favoritism, gossip, or partiality
  • Keep confidential matters confidential

4. Strengthen Pastors, Not Replace Them

  • Offer guidance, not control
  • Support their vision while ensuring alignment with COOLJC doctrine and standards

5. Maintain Accurate Records

  • Track church visits, pastoral meetings, and follow‑up items
  • Submit reports to the Diocese on schedule

6. Stay Spiritually Grounded

  • Maintain a strong prayer life
  • Fast regularly
  • Study Scripture and COOLJC doctrine
  • Guard your heart and your home

4. Resources for District Elders

This section can include:

  • Reporting forms
  • Training videos
  • Policy documents
  • Diocesan calendar
  • Contact directory
  • Region XII updates
  • Presbyters Course links
  • Youth, evangelism, and missions resources

(You can add these as downloadable files or links as you build out the page.)

5. Purpose of This Page

This page exists to:

  • Equip District Elders with clarity and confidence
  • Provide a central hub for resources and updates
  • Strengthen the Washington State Diocese through consistent leadership
  • Ensure alignment with Region XII and COOLJC standards

As the Washington State Diocese grows, this page will expand with new tools, training materials, and updates to support your work.

Whenever you’re ready, I’ll prepare Hawaii, Colorado, and Alaska in the same unified structure.