What is an Elder?

An elder is a leader, a teacher, and a man of high character. We believe that the “call” to Eldership in the present church age comes from the work of the Holy Spirit, who impels a man’s heart to serve as a leader. As an Elder of Mercy Church, it is expected that all candidates meet the scriptural qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3; and Acts 20:17-37.

Who are the current elders?

To view the current elder board at Mercy Church, click here.

THE elder selection PROCESS

Step 1: Recommendation

Prospective elders are identified by current elders and community group leaders. If the elders affirm, the chairman of the elder board will invite the potential elder into the 12-18-month process.

Step 2: Training

Prospective elders complete a two-semester weekly training program covering topics such as Gospel Eldership and Church Health.

Step 3: Assessment

Application | Prospective elders and their wives complete an application assessing theology, ministry philosophy, the embodiment of the church mission, and preparedness for the role of the elder. In addition, we obtain six references for the candidate on the application. The references will further assess the candidate’s character by surveying the candidate’s family, community group, and those he has served alongside in the Mercy family for confirmation of his calling to the role of elder.

Interviews

• Marriage Interview with an elder and female shepherd
• Theological Interview with a group of elders

Step 4: Presentation & Confirmation

If the board of elders unanimously affirms the candidate, the elders will present the candidate for consideration during a called member meeting. Mercy members will then have one month to affirm or speak against the elders’ recommendation for the candidate.

If the elders unanimously agree to move forward, the elders will present the candidate for ordination by a vote of the congregation. The church votes individually for each candidate (2/3rd’s vote required) by online ballot.

Step 5: Commissioning

If affirmed by the congregation, the elder candidate will be commissioned as an elder of Mercy Church during a corporate worship service.

2022 Elder Candidates

The board of elders unanimously affirmed the candidates listed below. If the elders unanimously agree to move forward, the elders will present the candidates for ordination by a vote of the congregation. The church votes individually for each candidate (2/3rd’s vote required) by online ballot. Mercy members, if you’d like to submit comments, feedback, or questions regarding any of these elder candidates, please email the current elder board.

Joseph Anderson

Birthday – February 2, 1993
Age at Salvation – 18
Age Baptized – 19
Wife’s Name – Kaylon
Wedding Anniversary – January 16, 2015
Kids Names + Ages – Deuce (3) and Reigna (1)
Occupation – Campus Director of MNE
Joined Mercy – January 2020
Campus – Campus Director of Mercy Northeast
Involvement at Mercy – Community Group Leader, MNE Core Team, Discipleship Group Leader
What is one thing you would like members to know about you? I have really enjoyed learning to lean into the Spirit as I seek to shepherd God’s people. Also, not a Cowboys fan – “Fly Eagles fly!”

Brett Bouldin

Birthday – December 6, 1994
Age at Salvation – 19
Age Baptized – 21
Wife’s Name – Marlee
Wedding Anniversary – October 5, 2019
Kids Names + Ages – Baby Bouldin is on the way!
Occupation – Mercy Students Director
Joined Mercy – November 2016
Campus – Mercy Northeast + Mercy Providence Road
Involvement at Mercy – Staff Member, Community Group Member
What is one thing you would like members to know about you? I am studying to receive an MDiv in Preaching and Pastoral Ministry at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  If I could have any superpower it would be to speak every world language.

Mike Herman

Birthday – February 11, 1991
Age at Salvation – 13
Age Baptized – 19
Wife’s Name – Whitney
Wedding Anniversary – May 18, 2013
Kids Names + Ages – Waverly (4), Calla (1)
Occupation – Physical Therapist
Joined Mercy – September 2015
Campus – Mercy Providence Road
Involvement at Mercy – Community Group Shepherd, Community Group Leader
What is one thing you would like members to know about you? I am passionate about seeing a Gospel awakening in both the City of Charlotte and in Union County. 

Josh Jones

Birthday – May 14, 1980
Age at Salvation – 5
Age Baptized – 15
Wife’s Name – Ashley
Anniversary – November 18, 2006
Kids Names + Ages – Ivy (13), Caleb + Hudson (10)
Occupation – Community Life Pastor
Joined Mercy – January 2022
Campus – Mercy Providence Road and Mercy Northeast
Involvement at Mercy – Staff Member
What is one thing you would like members to know about you? My family and I love to go to the beach any chance we get. I hope to be used by God in helping people understand the fullness of who God has made them be in Christ, and how this impacts their everyday life.

Spero Katsanos

Birthday – January 9, 1985
Age at Salvation – 10
Age Baptized – 10
Wife’s Name – Suzanne
Anniversary – September 14, 2011
Kids’ Names + Ages – Luke (5), Lydia (2)
Occupation – Currently between jobs, but my career to date has been in heavy civil construction
Joined Mercy – August 2016
Campus – Mercy Providence Road
Involvement at Mercy –  Community Group Shepard, Parking Team, Former Community Group Leader
What is one thing you would like members to know about you? I was born and raised in Charlotte, I am half Greek, and I spent a large part of my teenage years working at our family’s restaurant, South 21, which was on South Boulevard. Come talk to me about Urban Planning, architecture, European History, NC State athletics, the Hornets, Panthers, and Liverpool FC. I am passionate about helping our people become disciples of Christ so they can know God, obey Him, and enjoy His love and friendship forever! 

Taylor Knock

Birthday – April 17, 1985
Age at Salvation – 8
Age Baptized – 8
Wife’s Name – Ashley
Anniversary – May 28, 2005
Kids’ Names + Ages  – Gabriel (9), Phineas (3), Kaiya (8 months)
Occupation – Christian Guidance Writer at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Chaplain in the US Air Force Reserves
Joined Mercy – September 2015
Campus – Mercy Northeast
Involvement at Mercy – Mercy Deacon, Prayer team, Community Group Member,  Former A/V Member, Former Community Group Leader
What is one thing you’d like members to know about you? The Bible verse that has had the biggest impact on my life is Matthew 6:33; “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” God used that verse to totally change the direction I was going in at one point, and a direct line can be drawn from that moment to my time at Mercy. I’m thankful for all he’s done in the years, and look forward to continuing to seek first his kingdom with each of you.

Alex Scott

Birthday – May 10, 1991
Age at Salvation – 4
Age Baptized – 10
Wife’s Name – Lindsey
Anniversary – May 17, 2014
Kids’ Names + Ages  – Liam (2), Baby Boy No. 2 on the way!
Occupation – Software Developer
Joined Mercy – June 2017
Campus – Mercy Providence Road
Involvement at Mercy – MercyKids Team Member, Community Group Leader
What is one thing you’d like members to know about you? Before moving to Charlotte, we struggled to build community and find a church home. Though it was frustrating, it’s now clear the Lord was preparing the way for us to move to Charlotte. When we arrived in 2017, we had every intention of trying a handful of churches. However, we attended Mercy on our first Sunday and knew our search was over. We couldn’t be more honored to help lead the church God prepared for us!

Jake Stevenson

Birthday – January 26, 1987
Age at Salvation – 10
Age Baptized – 10
Wife – Lena
Kids Names + Ages – Grey (7), Levi (5)
Anniversary – August 1, 2008
Occupation – Wealth Management
Joined Mercy – September 2015
Campus – Mercy Northeast
Involvement at Mercy – Community Group Leader, A/V Team Leader
What is one thing you would like members to know about you? – I love the Church! Serving alongside God’s people for His purposes brings joy to me and my family!

Josh Taylor

Birthday – May 6, 1983
Age at Salvation – 15
Age Baptized – 15
Wife – Kelly
Anniversary – September 26, 2009
Kids Names + Ages – Noah (10)
Occupation – Christian Mental Health Counselor
Joined Mercy – March 2021
Campus – Mercy Providence Road
Involvement at Mercy – Community Group Shepard, Guest Services Team Member
What is one thing you would like members to know about you? I love the Lord, my family, and friends, baseball (go Braves!), woodworking, and board games.

Zach Taylor

Birthday – October 9, 1986
Age at Salvation – 12
Age Baptized – 23
Wife –  Paige
Anniversary – June 11, 2011
Kids Names + Ages – Brooks (2)
Occupation – Financial Technology Product Manager
Joined Mercy – September 2015, Launch Team Member
Campus – Mercy Providence Road
Involvement at Mercy – Worship Leader, Community Group Member, former Community Group Leader
What is one thing you’d like members to know about you? I’m just a sinner in need of extraordinary grace.

We, as the sending church for Mercy Nairobi, are presenting the candidate below for affirmation as an elder who will lead his future congregation.

Allan Waruhiu

Birthday – March 20, 1987
Age at Salvation – 13
Age Baptized – 26
Wife – M’Lynn
Anniversary – November 29, 2013
Kids Names + Ages – Anaiya (6), Ezekiel (5), Ezra (2)
Occupation – Church Planting Resident
Joined Mercy – December 2019
Campus – Mercy Providence Road
Involvement at Mercy – Staff Member, Community Group Member
What is one thing you’d like members to know about you? I love people and want everyone to be seen and valued. Also, I think Seinfield is one of the best shows ever.