Elder Candidate

Reggie Harrell

Reggie is a native of South Carolina and has lived in Maryland with his wife, Ann for 40 years. Last year, they celebrated 48 years of marriage. Reggie and Ann have one daughter, Kaitlyn, and three grandchildren, Carson (6) and twins, Ezra and Zach (4).

Professionally, Reggie is a tenured Full Professor at the University of Maryland College Park with a BS and MS from Clemson University, a PhD from the University of South Carolina, an MBA from Salisbury University, and an MDiv from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Reggie was baptized at the age of 12 during a youth revival and was active in youth programs until college. After college and marriage, he and Ann served as youth leaders in 1990 at First Baptist Church, Easton. His ministry experience there includes being a youth leader, an ordained deacon, a LIFE Group Adult Sunday School teacher, a Sunday School director, and a Pastor of Discipleship, where he continued teaching, discipling Christians, and frequently preaching until 2021.

Reggie and Ann started attending Eastpoint after being invited to attend by Karin Osborne and Carla Hill.

Currently, they are responsible for organizing communion and baptisms, and they also lead a Community Group. Reggie also teaches D101, Eastpoint’s Discipleship Class, and assists Pastor Sam with premarital counseling.

Outside of Eastpoint, he leads two men’s Bible study groups during the week.

The Elder Pathway

How does one become an Elder?

  • Existing elders nominate those who meet the qualifications and demonstrate an ability to shepherd and disciple. We want consensus.

    1. Elders contact nominees. If they aspire to the role, we invite them to read the Elder Profile, Role Description, and Pathway Overview and prayerfully consider whether or not the Lord would have them enter this process.

    2. We encourage them to talk to wise counsel. Invite them to prayerfully self-assess: Does God convict them of any significant deficiency?

  • Candidates will meet 6 times for Eastpoint’s Elder Training Course.

    Through independent reading, video content, and group discussion, candidates will explore the role and requirements of a biblical elder, grow in their theology and Bible knowledge and understand God’s unique calling for Eastpoint Church.

  • Privately Confirm: Are they ready?

    Did they complete their prep tracker? Did they complete the course assignments faithfully? Is there a relational fit? Does he substantially align with the Elder Profile? Is he ready to carry out the duties of the Job Description? Is he ready or does he need more time to develop?

    Publicly Recommend

    Give the candidates’ names to MP’s. Give them the Elder Profile and the Pathway Overview and initiate 30 day window for feedback.

  • Affirm Publicly: Charge, pray, and install before the congregation.

    Explain what the body can expect from their shepherds and charge them to respond to their care and leadership.