The Head of the church is the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18), who rules over His redeemed people by His Word and Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:26; Ephesians 2:22). Christ exercises this rule not only directly, but also through the service of men whom he calls, gifts, and places into positions of leadership in the church (Ephesians 4:11, 12; 1 Timothy 5:17; Acts 6:1-6). Those who lead the church are servants of Christ, declaring and applying the Word of Christ to the church for the building up of His Body (1 Corinthians 3:5-9).
These leaders, or church officers, fall into two categories: elders and deacons (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-13). Elders are entrusted with the spiritual care of God’s flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4). Within this general category of elder, there are two distinct roles: the minister (or teaching elder) and the ruling elder. A minister’s (or pastor’s) calling is to devote himself to preaching and teaching, to prayer, and to the overall ministry of the Word (1 Timothy 5:17; Acts 6:4). Ruling elders are men who join with the minister in the government (rule) of the church. All elders are to be shepherds of the flock of God, serving in the name of, and behalf of, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep, and who protects and provides for his flock (John 10:11; Psalm 23).
Deacons are men gifted and called by Christ to minister to the physical, material, and financial needs that arise in the church (Acts 6:1-6). Their service reflects the care that Jesus showed for the whole person: He not only saved souls, but He also healed bodies and fed the hungry.
Below are pictures and biographies of the ruling elders and pastor of Mt. Rose. We currently do not have any deacons, but are praying that the Lord will raise up faithful men to serve the congregation in that office as well.
I grew up in a loving family but one that almost never attended church. Until age 23, I considered myself either atheistic or agnostic. But at that time, the Lord opened my eyes and heart to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. After coming to faith in Christ, I experienced a growing sense…
I grew up in Southern California and graduated with a BS in Kinesiology from Humboldt State University. I played college football and continue to be involved in sports through coaching and cheering on my children in various sports over the years. I have been married to Gina for 23 years and we have 4 children.…
Joe Horvath and his family started worshiping at Mt. Rose in 2000 when it began as a PCA mission work. He has served on the Session of Mt. Rose since 2007 when Mt. Rose joined the OPC denomination. Joe has been married to Konni for 25 years and they have 4 active and wonderful children.…