Servant Team FAQs
What happens if someone joined the Servant Team on the leader track but then stepped out of leadership?
If you were nominated on the leader track but are no longer serving as a home church leader, you have three options:
- Request an Extension – If you expect to return to leadership soon (e.g., you're in between groups or your group recently disbanded), you can request a one-year extension each year to remain on the Servant Team while you transition.
- Apply to Switch Tracks – If you’ve taken on ministry roles outside of home church leadership that are roughly equivalent in time commitment to home church leadership, you can apply to switch to the non-leader track. Your current ministry involvement will be reviewed by sphere leadership to determine whether it qualifies.
- Step Down from the Servant Team – If you are no longer meeting the requirements for either track and are not seeking to requalify, you should voluntarily step down from the Servant Team.
In each case, your sphere leader can help you navigate next steps and determine the best option based on your current situation.
Does the person’s spouse need to be on Servant Team?
For married candidates, we generally prefer to raise them up together for the sake of unity, though rare exceptions are considered. Situations where a Servant Team member marries someone who is not on the Servant Team will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Does peer discipleship count towards the Servant Team’s discipleship requirement?
Yes. However, any form of discipleship must be of high quality—consisting of regular meetings and intentional investment, including equipping content—to satisfy the requirement. The spirit of the requirement is to see the nominee demonstrate a track record of positive influence in disciple-making.
Should I nominate a sit-in leader on the non-leader track or wait until they become a leader and use the leader track?
Generally, if the person is close to becoming a leader, we think that the nominator should wait until they become a leader and nominate them on the leader track.
What is the Servant Team Emeritus status?
Our vision is for Servant Team members of all ages to continue qualifying for the Servant Team. However, in cases where health or age-related challenges prevent someone from meeting certain eligibility requirements (such as attending Servant Team meetings or classes, leading a home church, or fulfilling ministry equivalent to home church leadership), a member may be considered for Servant Team Emeritus Status.
This status allows qualified individuals to remain part of the Servant Team within defined parameters. The goal of this wineskin is to honor longstanding servants in our church while maintaining a high bar in a realistic and grace-filled way.
A member may be granted Servant Team Emeritus Status if:
- They are seniors or facing a long-term serious illness
- They have served on the Servant Team for a significant period
- They continue to meet the character requirements for Servant Team
- They remain involved and serve in the church to the extent it is realistically possible
- They continue on FST (exceptions may be considered)
- Their Sphere Leader approves and submits their case to the Elders for review and approval
Servant Team Emeritus Members:
- Are released from the requirement to take a class every two years
- Are no longer required to lead a home church (or fulfill the leadership equivalent)
- Are not required to disciple others (though it is still highly encouraged)
- Are not required to attend Servant Team meetings
- Do not participate in Servant Team votes
- Are still invited to Servant Team meetings and retreats, included on the email line and remain eligible for ordination