“Jesus Christ alone is the Head of the church (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18), and He governs His church through officers whom He appoints (Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11) and who are endowed by His Spirit with the gifts and graces needed to accomplish their work (1 Tim. 3:1-13). We believe the Scriptural pattern of church governance includes two offices, including oversight by elders and assistance from deacons. Elders are called “overseers” in Scripture because they are charged with the oversight of the assembly (Acts 20:17,28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:2), “pastors” because they shepherd the flock of God (Acts 20:28), and “rulers” because they govern and care for the house of God (1 Tim. 3:5; Heb. 13:17). The eldership is therefore responsible for the preaching and teaching of the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:20,21,27; Titus 1:9), the watching out for the welfare of the soul of every member of the church (Eph. 4:11-13; Col. 1:28; 1 Thess. 2:11; Heb. 13:17), and the directing of the church in all its tasks (1 Tim. 3:4,5). All the decision- making authority of the church is vested in the elders (pastors) who shepherd the church.” (quoted from GfBC Conroe Constitution)
We believe the ideal pattern from the Scriptures includes a plurality (multiple) of elders. We presently have one elder/pastor, David Shiflet, as we pray and ask our Risen Lord to provide more laborers for the harvest (Luke 10:2, Ephesians 4:10-11, 1 Timothy 5:22). He is charged with preaching, teaching, pastoral ministry, and general oversight of the church. He is supported by our deacons: Steven Rappolee, Quamodi Stevenson, and Kyle Westmoreland, and by the whole church body. These deacons oversee our benevolence ministry, our facilities, and the physical needs of the members of GfBC Conroe.
It is the duty of the church to seek to discover among its male members those to whom Christ has imparted the gifts and graces necessary for office and, after formally recognizing them by common suffrage, to set them apart by united prayer and then to support and submit to the officers in their given areas of authority.
Pastor David is the husband of Gina and father of six children, ranging in age from mid 20’s to elementary school. All six children have been home-schooled; the two oldest live and work nearby along with their spouses, remaining faithful members of GfBC Conroe. Pastor David’s ambition is to make Christ known through the proclamation of His Word, and by that means to love God’s people deeply and to see the saints firmly established in lives of faithfulness to their King; and to see men, women, and children who do not yet know Jesus Christ come to repentance and faith.
“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” 1 Peter 5:1-5 ESV
Join Us!
Sunday School 9:45AM
Worship Service 11:00AM
Fellowship Meal 1:00PM
Grace family Baptist Church
14277 FM 1314
Conroe, TX 77302
936.647.6482