At Fortified Hills we see the New Testament role of elder and pastor as one in the same. Our elders (pastors) are charged with knowing, teaching, leading, and protecting the body as they serve the church by providing spiritual leadership. All elders must meet the biblical qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 and therefore shall be: above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self- controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. He must not be a recent convert, have a good reputation outside the church, a member  in good standing for at least one year, and commitment to the purpose, mission, and vision of the church. 

Deacons are servants of the church that help extend the pastor's (elder’s) ministry of the word and prayer. All deacons candidates must meet the biblical qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:3-8 and therefore shall be: dignified, of good repute, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, self-controlled, not greedy for dishonest gain, and sound in faith, holding firm to the true gospel without wavering. If married, he must be the husband of one  wife. He must be sober-minded and faithful in all things, managing his children and household well. He must not be slanderous and have a good standing with the church and community. Furthermore, a candidate must be a member in good standing for at least one year, 25 years of age or older, and have demonstrated a commitment to the purpose, mission, and vision of the church.