Leadership
The ministry of the elders is one of spiritual oversight. The New Testament is clear that the church is to be led by a plurality of godly leaders under the oversight and watchful care of elders. The elders are given ultimate responsibility and authority to see that the church remains on a true course biblically, that its members are being appropriately shepherded, that the body is being fed through insightful and accurate biblical teaching, and that the life of the church is being well managed with the assistance of other competent and godly leaders.
They are to care about the spiritual and physical well-being of members, regularly praying for the sick. They are to guard the body against harmful influences, confronting those who are contradicting biblical truth or who are continuing in patterns of sinful behavior (1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28-31; Titus 1:9; James 5:14). In response to the biblical pattern of leadership, members of the body are taught in Scripture to lovingly support their leaders and submit to their leadership (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thess. 5:12-13).
Keep in mind that the elders of Ward function primarily as discerners and shepherds. They serve as the conscience and guardians of the church. Our elders are not expected to oversee specific projects or ministry areas in their capacity as elders. Instead, they function as overseers for the entire church. Elders evaluate everything taking place in the church in light of our mission, resources, and doctrine.
Please address any comments or concerns to: Clerk of Session, Ward Church, 40000 Six Mile Road, Northville, MI 48168 or email clerkofsession@ward.church.
Class of 2025
Rick Martin
Steve McKinnie - Clerk of Session
Troy Morris
Gene Richards
Class of 2026
Melissa Overfield
Deanna Hatmaker - Assistant Clerk of Session
Adam Stratton
Jaymes Wainright
Class of 2027
Sally Drago
Sarah Joyce
Debbie Meagher
Dan Roberts
The ministry of the Deacons is one of sympathy and service. The office of Deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, concern for needs and serving others. The Board of Deacons is under the authority of the Church Session. Currently, Deacons serve on either the Prayer Team or the Care Needs Team. Some examples of what Deacons do include things like… praying for the hurting; providing pastoral care to people in crisis (sick, the grieving, the needy); preparing the Lord’s Supper for both corporate worship and home visits; ministering locally to people with material needs (single moms, unemployed, etc.); and hosting dinners or receptions for funerals and memorials.
The ministry of the Trustees is one of provision. The Trustees enable the ministry of others by providing three important “tools” for ministry: facilities, finances, and legal affairs. Normally, the board of trustees is made up of men and women who have some expertise in these areas and who desire to advance the work of the church by providing these foundational elements.
Class of 2025
Robert Joyce
Kurt Lipsky
Greg Middlemis
John Nowacki
Class of 2026
Peggy Hoekstra
Daniel Mahlmeister
David Morland
Ron Paradowicz
Class of 2027
Cindy Ayers
Achim Frankovics
Greg Hemingway
