Salem Mennonite Church
PASTORAL ELDERS
Responsible to: Congregation
Membership: The pastor(s) and a total of no more than four additional members.
Term of Office: Three years, affirmed by the congregation in "staggered" terms with
the chair and secretary chosen at the first meeting of the year.
Expectation: To provide a ministry of spiritual leadership and pastoral care.
Responsibilities:
1. Foster vision and growth in the spiritual life of the congregation.
a. Nurture an understanding and purpose of worship, preaching and other services.
b. Be alert and respond to concerns and problems related to congregational life.
c. Encourage intentional planning and programming for the spiritual growth of
early adolescents and youth.
d. Review and recommend persons for membership.
e. Assist the pastor(s) in the administration of baptism and communion.
f. Arrange for preaching when there is a need. (ie. No pastor on staff or if the
pastor is incapacitated.)
2. Assist in providing for the pastoral care needs of the congregation.
a. Be attentive and respond to persons experiencing crisis and pain.
b. Initiate and maintain a Caring Team.
c. Facilitate the entrance and reception of persons new to the congregation.
d. Be alert to the needs for mutual aid and administer the mutual aid fund.
e. Assist in maintaining contact with congregational households.
3. Facilitate the formation and functioning of small groups within the congregation.
4. Provide counsel for the congregation education and training programs.
5. Serve in a supportive and advisory relationship to the pastor(s). The chair shall serve
with the congregational chair to implement the pastor-congregational accountability.
6. As spiritual leaders, embody the vision and faith of the congregation with an
Anabaptist understanding.
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