elder & Deacon nominations

do you know someone who would be a great leader for our church?

Fair Oaks Church seeks spiritually mature men and women to lead and govern our church and serve as spiritual overseers.
Prior to recommending someone, please review the Elder & Deacon responsibilities and qualifications information below.
Learn who are current elders are here.

Our Church Office Nominating Committee (CONC) is made up of the Senior Pastor, ruling elders, deacons and church members. This team is voted on by the congregation annually. They have the responsibility of reviewing recommendations, vetting candidates for elders and deacons, and presenting them for congregational approval to serve in the coming year. This team relies on members of Fair Oaks Church to prayerfully nominate individuals who are a good fit for these offices. The CONC will receive and review nominations between January - September, giving them adequate time to properly vet nominations before presenting them to the congregation to vote on in November. If you have any questions related to recommending elders or deacons, please email nominations@fairoaks.church.

congregational meeting
sunday, november 2

We are holding a congregational meeting for members to vote on church officers (elders and deacons) who will begin serving in 2026. Our nominating committee has been hard at work interviewing recommendations and has a slate of nominations for elders and deacons. Learn more about our slate for elders and deacons below. Contact Michael Shumaker with any questions.

Learn More

elder slate

Members will vote on this elder slate at the congregational meeting on November 2, 2025.
Elders will begin serving their 3-year term in 2026.

Lynda Calvert

Lynda has been a member since 1986 and has served faithfully in many ministry areas, including four years on the Deacons Committee (one as moderator) and four years as an elder in Personnel, and 6 years as part of the worship team. She’s also been part of the Beacons Marinership for 25 years. She is an active member of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), currently serving as an online group leader and previously a leader in the children’s program. She has 50 years experience as a Real Estate Broker in the Fair Oaks community. Lynda and her husband, Bob, are blessed with two sons and their wives, five grandsons, and three great granddaughters. She is committed to Fair Oaks Church and looks forward to serving in this role to further the vision God has for Fair Oaks through the lens of missions and outreach.

neil johnson

Neil grew up at Fair Oaks Church and has been shaped by its community throughout his life. He met his wife, Krissy, through the church, and together they are raising two teenage sons. Professionally, Neil works in the finance field and brings valuable experience in stewardship and leadership. Over the years, he has served the church in many ways, helping lead a small group, playing on the worship team, and faithfully investing in the life of the congregation. Neil has a deep love for Christ and a strong commitment to the mission of Fair Oaks Church.

david araldi

David Araldi is a native of Fair Oaks, with a business degree in Human Resource Management (CSU Sacramento) and over 30 years of professional experience in recruiting and business consulting with Fortune 500 and Big 4 consulting firms. He and his wife have been part of Fair Oaks Church since 2016, with kids ranging from age 6 to 26. Over the years, Dave's service has included Student Ministry, and he is actively involved in small groups for men and young families. He was a member of the Pastor Nominating Committee (2022–2023). Currently in his first term as elder (2023–2025), he serves on the Personnel & Finance commissions, and he was part of the 12-member Vision Team (2024–2025). Dave is passionate about the transforming power of Jesus and helping strengthen the church community and supporting its mission - and looks forward to serving another term.

elder responsibilities & requirements

ROLE OF ELDER:
Elders are to represent the mind of Christ as they fulfill their call to the ministry and responsibility of oversight, pastoral care, and governance for the Church.

ELDER QUALIFICATIONS:
A growing follower of Jesus
A member in good standing of Fair Oaks Church
A person of wisdom, discretion, spiritual maturity, with shepherding qualities

Elders are chosen by Fair Oaks Church members and serve for a 3 year term on Session, the governing body of our church.
Our elders provide spiritual oversight, encouragement, and counsel to specific areas using their gifts and applicable experience, as well as the overall ministry of Fair Oaks Church.

Session meets monthly to guide and support the life of Fair Oaks Church in spiritual, financial, and strategic matters.
Each Session meeting lasts about 2 hours, and may require some preparation. Elders also serve as representatives to meetings of our Presbytery & the General Assembly of our denomination: the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC).

deacons

ROLE OF DEACON
The Deacon's responsibility is the ministry of compassion, concern for needs, and service.
Deacons fulfill the call of the ministry of mercy and care on behalf of the Fair Oaks Church congregation.

Deacons are chosen by Fair Oaks Church members and serve in one of three classes, each for a three-year term on the Board of Deacons.
Their duties include acts of service, compassion, care, and mercy. Deacons meet monthly.
Deacons serve in various areas of Care Ministry (Visitation, Memorials, Sundays, etc.)