Who leads the church?
Ultimately, Jesus is the head of his body and the King over his people.
Those among us who provide some element of human leadership are always aware that we do this as a stewardship. We are accountable to the Lord for the way we guide and care for His people (Hebrews 13:17), and we strive to do this with a sincere conscience and a heart of love.
Our vision of leadership is grounded in the teaching of Jesus and the apostles. It emphasizes servanthood (Mark 10:44-45), Christlike character (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9), a parental mindset and track record (1 Timothy 3:4; see 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 11) and a genuine desire to follow the Spirit’s leading into this sober and joyful responsibility (see Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1).
When identifying leaders among us, we also take into consideration people’s God-given identity and gifts. This includes awareness of whether someone could carry a “five-fold” identity and calling (like in Ephesians 4:11), or whether they possess or demonstrate various Spiritual gifts related to leadership (like those mentioned in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12-14). There is no necessary correlation between these callings/gifts and local leadership, though there certainly can be!
When identifying leaders among us, we also take into consideration people’s God-given identity and gifts. This includes awareness of whether someone could carry a “five-fold” identity and calling (like in Ephesians 4:11), or whether they possess or demonstrate various Spiritual gifts related to leadership (like those mentioned in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12-14). There is no necessary correlation between these callings/gifts and local leadership, though there certainly can be!
Elders
Cross Culture is led by a team of elders who work together to nurture, build, protect, empower and release people into the work of the Kingdom. The Scriptures regularly speak of the necessity of parental figures whose responsibility it is to raise disciples and help shape them into the image of the Master.
Sometimes they are referred to as “elders” (Acts 14:23; 20:17; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5; 1 Peter 5:1) which likely derives from the Old Testament’s references to a group of older, wiser men whose leadership in a city was meant to bring stability, ensure justice and enable the community to live in the blessing of the Lord. Other times, they are referred to as “overseers” (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:7). This is a term that was used in the Greco-Roman world to refer to someone who functioned as a guardian or steward within a specific group of people.
Sometimes they are referred to with general terms beside the two above, but with the same expectations of their role in caring for, serving and otherwise leading God’s people (Romans 12:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:17).
Regardless of the terminology, these leaders are responsible for the overall health, growth and work of the church. They serve together, sharing responsibility and authority, in order to ‘ground’ God’s international mission in the city, neighborhoods and households in which they live.
Currently, Cross Culture recognizes four elders who fulfill this responsibility: Jeff & Carol Hubing and José & Lyniece Oyola.
Sometimes they are referred to as “elders” (Acts 14:23; 20:17; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5; 1 Peter 5:1) which likely derives from the Old Testament’s references to a group of older, wiser men whose leadership in a city was meant to bring stability, ensure justice and enable the community to live in the blessing of the Lord. Other times, they are referred to as “overseers” (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:7). This is a term that was used in the Greco-Roman world to refer to someone who functioned as a guardian or steward within a specific group of people.
Sometimes they are referred to with general terms beside the two above, but with the same expectations of their role in caring for, serving and otherwise leading God’s people (Romans 12:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:17).
Regardless of the terminology, these leaders are responsible for the overall health, growth and work of the church. They serve together, sharing responsibility and authority, in order to ‘ground’ God’s international mission in the city, neighborhoods and households in which they live.
Currently, Cross Culture recognizes four elders who fulfill this responsibility: Jeff & Carol Hubing and José & Lyniece Oyola.
Jeff & Carol Hubing
Jeff has an M.A. and Ph.D. in New Testament biblical studies and is committed to preaching, teaching, church planting and leadership training in Chicagoland and beyond. Holding a B.A. in Elementary Education and an Associate’s degree in Practical Ministry, Carol is a gifted teacher whose prophetic insight marks her instruction and intercession. Jeff and Carol live in Portage Park along with their three youngest children: Isaac, Acacia and Alina. Their oldest son, Cadence, and his wife, Laura, live in the west suburbs of Chicago.
José & Lyniece Oyola
Jose & Lyniece Oyola have been serving the Lord together for over 20 years. They lead a house church in addition to building the body through their mentoring, counseling and prophetic ministries. They live in Joliet along with their four children (Joshua, Alani, Emma, & Joey) and their sweet dog (Theo).
Deacons
In the New Testament, we also have evidence for another group of local leaders who are simply called “servants” – the basic meaning of the Greek word that is transliterated into English as “deacon” (see Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13). We have little information about their identity and function in the churches, so most of what we have to go on is the expectation for good character and the general sense that they assisted in the development and work of the church in ways that were fruitful and consistent with God’s purpose through the gospel.
At Cross Culture, deacons serve both specific and more general roles in terms of leadership. Some lead house churches. Others serve the church by leading prayer gatherings, providing organizational support, preaching and teaching, or giving guidance for other aspects of the church’s mission.
We currently have 12 deacons serving our community:
At Cross Culture, deacons serve both specific and more general roles in terms of leadership. Some lead house churches. Others serve the church by leading prayer gatherings, providing organizational support, preaching and teaching, or giving guidance for other aspects of the church’s mission.
We currently have 12 deacons serving our community:
- Sam & Natalie Maglaris
- Chy Robins
- Teddy & Angie Fostis
- Ben & Yesenia Menjivar
- Tyrone & Anika Jones
- Peter McKee
- Babatunde & Sarah Oshinowo