Many churches these days follow a hierchical form of church government: A head pastor, several associate and assistant pastors, possibly followed by groups of descons, etc.  Other churches follow a congregational form of government, with each official member allowed one vote on a matter.  Sometimes these are combined, or bodies of Elders are involved in senior leadership, guidance, or policy making.

Lake Howell Bible Chapel employs a Biblical eldership, with a number of elders acting in a presbyterian role.  (The term presbyter refers to an older believer in a position of elder leadership.)  Our elders are not elected, and there is no recognized hierarchy within the eldership.

It is important to note that while we recognize and practice a government of eldership, we do not believe in, nor recognize any sort of clergy-laity distinction within the church.  In other words, our elders are not certified by some sort of body, nor are they especially empowered in some way not commonly available to all believers.

So, how does this work in practice?  Rather simply!  Our elders are assisted by a number of deacons, and their leadership and direction is largely unseen in the background of day-to-day affairs of the chapel.