ELDERS / PASTORS

There are three important questions to be asking when it comes to Eldership at MERCYhouse— what do they do, who is qualified to be an elder, and how elders are chosen? Below, you’ll see our concise answers to these three questions which we hold from Scripture.

 

What do Elders do?

Elders primarily do three things in the church:

Oversee
(Titus 1:7 | 1 Timothy 3:2)

Teach
(Titus 1:9 | 1 Timothy 3:2)

Shepherd
(1 Peter 5:2)

 

Who is Qualified to be an Elder?

Candidates for Eldership Must

Be able to Teach
(Titus 1:9 | 1 Timothy 3:2)

Have Christ-Like Character
(1 Timothy 3:2-4)

Be Male
(1 Timothy 2:12-14)

 

How are Elders Chosen?

Elders chosen by

God
(Acts 20:28)

Other Elders
(Titus 1:5)

The Congregation
(Acts 14:23, Acts 6:6)

 

CURRENTLY SERVING ELDERS

Tommy Moore

LEAD PASTOR

Tommy is a graduate of UMass Amherst and loves serving the students, families and community members in the Pioneer Valley. He is passionate about helping others hear and understand God’s Word, and is joyfully dedicated to his calling to shepherd God’s flock at MERCYhouse.

“God’s Church is at its most beautiful when the People of God are treasuring the Word of God, being transformed by the Spirit of God to worship the Son of God. I get the pleasure of seeing this miracle happen every Sunday… and that’s what I love about my church.”

You can reach Pastor Tommy at tommy@mercyhouse365.org

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Jake Blackwood

LAY ELDER

Jake Blackwood is an assistant professor of economics at Amherst College. He, his wife Jamie, and four kids (Parker, Mirabel, Oscar and Evangeline) have lived in Amherst since 2018.

“One thing I love about MERCYhouse is the willingness of members to serve each other, especially during difficult times.”

You can reach Pastor Jake at jake@mercyhouse365.org

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Garrett Postema

LAY ELDER, CHAIR

Garrett Postema is a Civil Engineer for MassDOT. Garrett is married to Michelle with four kids: Eliana, Levi, Isla and Larissa. When he isn't with his family or friends Garrett can usually be found lifting weights or playing soccer.

“We love that the relationships we have formed at the church have grown into strong friendships over the years, and the strong community of the church in general.”

You can reach Pastor Garrett at garrett@mercyhouse365.org