Leadership
Jesus Christ Himself is the leader of our Church. Through the Bible and the Holy Spirit, we are guided by Jesus’ teaching - both by His words and the insight we are given into how He lived and treated people. (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23-24; Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20, 1 Peter 5:4; Matthew 28:18-20).
The Lord Jesus also gives us leaders, referred to in this local Church as Elders and Deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5; Philippians 1:1; Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 4:11; Acts 20:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
Harvest Ayr is committed to the Bible’s teaching that those who hold the offices of Elder and Deacon are to oversee various functions of the local church.
The Bible’s teaching on the subject of two church offices is found in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. Although there are four terms used for the offices of the church: pastor, overseer, elder, and deacon, analysis of these terms indicates that pastor, overseer, and elder are used interchangeably.
1. Elders
Qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9)
Above reproach
Able to teach
Husband to one wife
Not addicted to wine
Temperate
Not antagonistic
Prudent
Uncontentious
Respectable
Free from the love of money
Hospitable
Manage own household
Not a new convert
Responsibilities
The Scriptures show that the Elders “serve by leading” and that their responsibility involves the spiritual oversight of the congregation. All Elders are equal in authority but not necessarily equal in influence.
The Elder’s primary responsibilities include:
Scripture - Ensuring that the doctrine of the church is biblical; all doctrinal issues in the church will be settled by the Board of Elders.
Strategy - Ensuring that the direction of the church is consistent with the Foundational Priorities of the church.
Shepherding - Overseeing the discipleship and pastoral care of the church. Including ministering in love and humility the process of church discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1-4; Titus 3:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; 1 Timothy 5:17-25; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 and Romans 16:17.
Plurality of Elders
The Scriptures teach that a plurality of Elders governed individual New Testament churches. The Scripture does not mention any congregations featuring a stand-alone pastor and leader. A plurality of godly Elders, exercising their individual giftedness, squares with the Scripture’s teaching that wisdom is found in a multitude of godly counselors. This truth does not eliminate the possibility and likelihood that one or more Elders will stand out from the others as more public in their ministries or more influential in their workings on the Elder Board (Acts 14:23, 20:28; Titus 1:5; Philippians 1:1; Proverbs 11:14, 12:15, 15:22, 19:20, 24:6).
Decision Making
The Elders govern the church by Elder consensus and while the goal is for the congregation to be fully engaged in the life, vision and mission of the church, congregational voting is not a feature of the decision making process of the church.
The Elders employ the method of consensus as a decision-making model rather than the casting of votes or some other means. This is aimed to reduce the potential for polarisation or division where votes pit parties against one another. Consensus allows for a more nuanced approach that frames the conversation in terms of reasoning together through prayer, discussion and discernment so that the Board is better equipped to reach a unified conclusion.
Consensus aims for unanimity or an agreement that everyone had the opportunity to be heard. It is achieved when those in the minority are willing to join the majority in public support of a decision and the entire Board is able to speak publicly and in supportive fashion as one voice on the matter.
Selection
When the need arises for additional Elders, a nominee will be recommended by the existing Board of Elders. In keeping with the clear biblical injunctions regarding authority structures within the church, only men will be considered for the office of Elder. An in-depth interview will ensue to determine if the nominee is biblically qualified. The congregation will then be reminded of the biblical requirement for Elders and given 30 days to speak personally with the nominee if they are aware of any disqualifying characteristics. If the matter remains unresolved, the nominee or church member should approach the Board of Elders and request that their name be withdrawn from consideration.
Term
Since Scripture indicates no fixed term for Elders, no specific fixed term of office is recommended. Instead, each Elder, upon appointment, shall be asked for a three-year commitment. At the end of three years the commitment will be reviewed, along with a possible recommitment and reaffirmation by fellow Elders. During the review, both the individual and the other Elders shall evaluate his continued service as an Elder, again considering the biblical qualifications, as well as any personal factors that might affect his service. An individual’s service as an Elder may be discontinued by his own decision or by a consensus decision of the other Elders. A person leaving the Board of Elders would not preclude his service as a future Elder, subject to the regular selection process.
2. Deacons
The Bible teaches that Deacons “lead by serving”. The qualifications for Elders and Deacons overlap regarding an individual’s character, but they differ in aptitude. The Elders are appointed to exercise oversight and are to be able to teach - while the Deacons are to be able and proved as servants (Acts 6).
Qualifications (1 Timothy 3:8-12)
Individual of dignity
Above reproach
Not double tongued
First tested as servants
Not addicted to wine
Faithful in all things
Temperate
Not greedy for dishonest gain
Holding to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience
Devoted manager of the home
Responsibilities
Deacons are servants who do whatever is necessary to allow the Elders to accomplish their God-given calling of shepherding and teaching the church. As a result, each local church is free to define the tasks of Deacons based on their particular needs. Therefore, Deacons will have responsibilities as established by the Elder Board. This may include key ministry leadership roles and other serving functions.
Selection
When the need arises for additional Deacons, suitably qualified and gifted members of the church will be appointed by the existing Board of Elders.
Term
Since Scripture indicates no fixed term for Deacons, no specific fixed term of office is recommended. An individual’s service as a Deacon may be discontinued by their own decision or by a consensus decision of the Board of Elders. A Deacon leaving their position would not preclude their service as a future Deacon, subject to the regular selection process.
Our Elders
Lee Ballantine
Lee is married to Zoe and they have a little boy called Joseph. Lee grew up in Northern Ireland in a home that loved Jesus and he was saved by Jesus at a young age. He grew up in Coleraine Baptist Church where he was faithfully discipled and inspired to wholeheartedly love and serve Jesus.
Lee studied engineering at Queens University Belfast and his time there served to be a deeply formative part of his spiritual journey. It was there that Jesus grabbed hold of his heart and deepened his faith through friendships with other Christians and opportunities to serve as part of Queens Christian Union.
Lee moved to Glasgow in 2015 with Zoe where they became members of Harvest Glasgow. Through opportunities to lead and serve their love for the church grew and their desire for ministry increased, particularly church planting. Through affirmation and conversations with the church elders Lee began to get equipped for ministry via Crosslands on a part time basis alongside engineering. In 2019 he left engineering to become a ministry apprentice at Harvest Glasgow as he finished his theological training and in 2020, he became Pastor of Discipleship and Outreach.
Lee and Zoe have been captured by the vision to be part of a church planting church. Alongside several other families in Harvest Glasgow, and with the support of Harvest Glasgow and the Great Commission Collective, Lee and Zoe are being sent out to plant a new church in Ayr in the Autumn of 2021.
If you find yourself in Ayrshire anytime soon, please get in contact. We would love to say hi!
Lee is married to Zoe and they have a little boy called Joseph. Lee grew up in Northern Ireland in a home that loved Jesus and he was saved by Jesus at a young age. He grew up in Coleraine Baptist Church where he was faithfully discipled and inspired to wholeheartedly love and serve Jesus.
Lee studied engineering at Queens University Belfast and his time there served to be a deeply formative part of his spiritual journey. It was there that Jesus grabbed hold of his heart and deepened his faith through friendships with other Christians and opportunities to serve as part of Queens Christian Union.
Lee moved to Glasgow in 2015 with Zoe where they became members of Harvest Glasgow. Through opportunities to lead and serve their love for the church grew and their desire for ministry increased, particularly church planting. Through affirmation and conversations with the church elders Lee began to get equipped for ministry via Crosslands on a part time basis alongside engineering. In 2019 he left engineering to become a ministry apprentice at Harvest Glasgow as he finished his theological training and in 2020, he became Pastor of Discipleship and Outreach.
Lee and Zoe have been captured by the vision to be part of a church planting church. Alongside several other families in Harvest Glasgow, and with the support of Harvest Glasgow and the Great Commission Collective, Lee and Zoe are being sent out to plant a new church in Ayr in the Autumn of 2021.
If you find yourself in Ayrshire anytime soon, please get in contact. We would love to say hi!
Andy Boyle
Andrew is married to Heidi, and they have three children, Ella, Anna and Joshua. They started attending Harvest in 2010 just after they got married. He was compelled by a church that held God’s word at the centre of all they do. Throughout childhood Andrew was faithfully taught the Bible by the church he grew up in and by his family. His parents were a key example to him on what it looks like to lead your family in the ways of the Lord. Andrew believed in Jesus for his salvation as a child. In his teenage years Andrew quickly realised that he could not serve two masters and that Jesus was worth building all aspects of his life on- “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28).
Since his time at Harvest Andrew has been involved in serving and teaching in Harvest Kids, Harvest Men, Small Group, Prayer Nights and has been the ministry lead for the Property Team for a few years. Andrew and Heidi have also enjoyed developing relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ from across the globe and have hosted many international visiting teams and pastors from our partner churches and have found these times so encouraging.
God used the circumstances in Andrew’s life, namely his daughter’s health diagnosis and then subsequent surgery, to transform him through a unique period of growth and sanctification. Although not wishing to go through that circumstance again, he looks back on it with thankfulness for all the Lord taught him and how as a family they experienced the power of prayer and true peace that surpasses all understanding.
Andrew enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf when he has time and the odd cycling trip. He would love to get to know you better and pray for you, so say hi to him on Sunday.
Andrew is married to Heidi, and they have three children, Ella, Anna and Joshua. They started attending Harvest in 2010 just after they got married. He was compelled by a church that held God’s word at the centre of all they do. Throughout childhood Andrew was faithfully taught the Bible by the church he grew up in and by his family. His parents were a key example to him on what it looks like to lead your family in the ways of the Lord. Andrew believed in Jesus for his salvation as a child. In his teenage years Andrew quickly realised that he could not serve two masters and that Jesus was worth building all aspects of his life on- “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28).
Since his time at Harvest Andrew has been involved in serving and teaching in Harvest Kids, Harvest Men, Small Group, Prayer Nights and has been the ministry lead for the Property Team for a few years. Andrew and Heidi have also enjoyed developing relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ from across the globe and have hosted many international visiting teams and pastors from our partner churches and have found these times so encouraging.
God used the circumstances in Andrew’s life, namely his daughter’s health diagnosis and then subsequent surgery, to transform him through a unique period of growth and sanctification. Although not wishing to go through that circumstance again, he looks back on it with thankfulness for all the Lord taught him and how as a family they experienced the power of prayer and true peace that surpasses all understanding.
Andrew enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf when he has time and the odd cycling trip. He would love to get to know you better and pray for you, so say hi to him on Sunday.
Scott Hamilton
Scott is married to Alison and they have four kids (Matthew, Katie, Hannah and Ben). He grew up in a Christian home and trusted Jesus at the age of 11 at a Christian camp called Teen Ranch. After school he studied history at Dundee University before training and working as a youth and community worker in the east end of Glasgow for Glasgow City Council.
During that time he started to get more opportunities to preach and lead in the local church in Cathcart that Alison and he were members of and also back at Teen Ranch. That led him to pursue training for ministry with the Baptist Union of Scotland and he became pastor of Castlemilk Baptist Church in October 2004 (part-time to begin with as he completed his studies). In late 2008 he and Alison started to explore church planting. The idea of starting afresh with a simple view of what the church should be built around the picture that God's Word gives was compelling.
That is where Harvest Glasgow began. With a desire to be part of a church that would serve to increase their depth of relationship with Jesus and a capacity to make much of Him in everything about our lives. As part of that process Scott spent 6 weeks in Chicago training and being assessed for church planting before landing home at the start of March 2009 to begin the work of gathering people around what he and Alison were praying that God would do.
Scott really enjoys watching and playing (when not injured) football. He also coaches Matthew and Katie's football team Stamperland 2006's on Saturday mornings. He also enjoys watching rugby and can be found at Glasgow Warriors games from time to time.
Otherwise his favourite things are caravan holidays, board games and spending time with Alison and the kids. If you find yourself at Harvest Glasgow come and say hi, he would love to meet you.
Scott is married to Alison and they have four kids (Matthew, Katie, Hannah and Ben). He grew up in a Christian home and trusted Jesus at the age of 11 at a Christian camp called Teen Ranch. After school he studied history at Dundee University before training and working as a youth and community worker in the east end of Glasgow for Glasgow City Council.
During that time he started to get more opportunities to preach and lead in the local church in Cathcart that Alison and he were members of and also back at Teen Ranch. That led him to pursue training for ministry with the Baptist Union of Scotland and he became pastor of Castlemilk Baptist Church in October 2004 (part-time to begin with as he completed his studies). In late 2008 he and Alison started to explore church planting. The idea of starting afresh with a simple view of what the church should be built around the picture that God's Word gives was compelling.
That is where Harvest Glasgow began. With a desire to be part of a church that would serve to increase their depth of relationship with Jesus and a capacity to make much of Him in everything about our lives. As part of that process Scott spent 6 weeks in Chicago training and being assessed for church planting before landing home at the start of March 2009 to begin the work of gathering people around what he and Alison were praying that God would do.
Scott really enjoys watching and playing (when not injured) football. He also coaches Matthew and Katie's football team Stamperland 2006's on Saturday mornings. He also enjoys watching rugby and can be found at Glasgow Warriors games from time to time.
Otherwise his favourite things are caravan holidays, board games and spending time with Alison and the kids. If you find yourself at Harvest Glasgow come and say hi, he would love to meet you.
Mark Hardy
Mark is currently serving his second term as an elder at Harvest Glasgow following a period of rest from the role between 2020 and 2022.
He has been attending Harvest Glasgow with his wife Jen since it launched in 2009, and whilst his priority is serving as an elder, he also enjoys leading a small group and serving on the AV and Worship Ministries.
Having been a Christian since a young age, Mark can speak enthusiastically about the ministry of Harvest Glasgow and how it has helped him to deepen his walk, knowledge and love of God, and the impact it has had on his marriage.
Mark is currently serving his second term as an elder at Harvest Glasgow following a period of rest from the role between 2020 and 2022.
He has been attending Harvest Glasgow with his wife Jen since it launched in 2009, and whilst his priority is serving as an elder, he also enjoys leading a small group and serving on the AV and Worship Ministries.
Having been a Christian since a young age, Mark can speak enthusiastically about the ministry of Harvest Glasgow and how it has helped him to deepen his walk, knowledge and love of God, and the impact it has had on his marriage.
Derek Harrison
I was brought up in a Christian home, however realised that this didn’t make me a Christian and that I needed to have a personal relationship with Jesus. I became a Christian at a young age, God used a verse from John 6 v 37 to speak to me “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out”. I realised that if I came to Jesus in faith then he would receive, forgive and save me.
God used my time at Dundee University to grow me in my faith. Being surrounded with many fellow Christian students who were serious about following Jesus was a tremendous inspiration and encouragement to me.
God is Faithful and as a family we are so thankful to be involved in Harvest, we love being part of a Church family who put God’s Word front and centre of their lives and who seriously pursue Jesus, seeking to grow in his likeness.
I’m married to Suzi; we have 2 children Lauren and Joshua. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, playing golf, watching football and trying to keep fit.
I was brought up in a Christian home, however realised that this didn’t make me a Christian and that I needed to have a personal relationship with Jesus. I became a Christian at a young age, God used a verse from John 6 v 37 to speak to me “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out”. I realised that if I came to Jesus in faith then he would receive, forgive and save me.
God used my time at Dundee University to grow me in my faith. Being surrounded with many fellow Christian students who were serious about following Jesus was a tremendous inspiration and encouragement to me.
God is Faithful and as a family we are so thankful to be involved in Harvest, we love being part of a Church family who put God’s Word front and centre of their lives and who seriously pursue Jesus, seeking to grow in his likeness.
I’m married to Suzi; we have 2 children Lauren and Joshua. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, playing golf, watching football and trying to keep fit.