Meet Andy Rudmik: A Glimpse Into His Role as an Elder

Q1: When did you become an elder?
A1: I became an elder in February/March 2008.

Q2: How did you become an elder?
A2: I had been on the CCM finance committee for about three years prior to being invited. This gave me the opportunity to get to know Pastor Mark. My wife, Norma, and I were leading a home group, and our daughter and son-in-law had been attending CCM since it opened at the current Minton location. We participated in many church activities, which allowed us to connect with Pastor Mark on a more personal level.

Early in 2008, Pastor Mark asked to meet with me. I wasn’t sure what the meeting was about, so I met him in his office. When he asked me to become an elder, I was taken aback, as it was the last thing I expected. I discussed this with Norma, and we prayed about it together. We also spoke with some other elders to learn more about what the role entailed. After a few weeks of prayer and consideration, I accepted the invitation.

Q3: What do you do for a living outside of being an elder?
A3: I am the Chief Technology Officer for a not-for-profit organization called Imaginal Education, which operates internationally in the field of education. We use a unique learning model that helps students achieve a very high level of mastery in the subjects they study. Our focus is also on who the student is becoming—both as a Christ-follower and as a leader who will make a difference in the world.

Q4: What’s your favorite part of being an elder?
A4: Although being an elder comes with significant time commitments, I really enjoy building relationships with the people at the campuses I serve. My current campus, which I visit every three weeks, is Sebastian. We are witnessing a move of God there, with significant growth in attendance, baptisms, and vibrant home groups.

Q5: What’s your least favorite part of being an elder?
A5: I can’t say there is anything I dislike about being an elder. While the time commitment is substantial, I view my responsibilities as an elder as a priority in my Christian walk. This requires me to deliberately plan and rank my other commitments to ensure I fulfill my elder responsibilities. My wife, Norma, fully supports me in this, which makes balancing everything much easier.

Q6: Do you have a story of encouragement since becoming an elder?
A6: About ten years ago, I had the privilege of baptizing my two grandsons in the ocean. They were five and six years old at the time. Since then, I’ve seen them grow in their faith and become fine young Christ-followers. Norma and I remain actively involved in their lives, and we are thrilled that they now attend the youth group in Viera.

Q7: In your opinion, what is the purpose of an elder?
A7: The purpose of an elder is to oversee the church’s congregation and pastoral leaders, ensuring spiritual growth and health. This responsibility also includes managing the church’s budget, finances, school, missions, and growth plans, such as church planting and campus expansions. Elders also vet new pastors, guest speakers, and programs introduced to the church. Ultimately, elders are accountable to God for the people in our congregations (Hebrews 13:17). We strive to fulfill these responsibilities through prayer, study, and service, all for the glory of God.

Andy’s journey highlights the power of serving faithfully and trusting God’s direction. His experience in finance, leadership, and campus ministry has shaped his role as an elder, and his deep commitment to discipleship and family is evident in all he does. From helping oversee church operations to personally guiding the next generation—including his own grandsons—Andy’s impact is a testament to what it means to shepherd God’s people well.

We hope that through these stories, you’ve been able to connect with the elders who help guide the spiritual direction of our church. If you see Andy or any of our elders at a service, take a moment to say hello—they are here to serve, support, and walk alongside you in faith.