PROCESS FOR DISCERNMENT OF PASTORAL ELDERS

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1. Beginning on a Sunday in January, the Nominating Committee will invite the congregation to be in prayer and discernment regarding the calling of pastoral elder/s to a new term of service.  The Board of Pastoral Elders will consist of no more than four elders appointed to serve staggered terms.

2. The following Sunday, Pastoral Elder Discernment forms will be distributed to the congregational members. This form will request that members, when making a nomination indicate what gifts and Skills they see the nominees possessing that are pertinent for this ministry.  Members will be given at least two weeks to return Discernment forms.

3. The Nominating Committee will then evaluate the responses and contact the person/s who will be presented as candidates. In the discerning process, consideration will be given to the number of elders needed, to the nominations for each candidate, and to the gifts identified.  Consultation will also be made with the current Elders.

4. If no candidates emerge, the Leadership Board will determine the next steps.

5. The person/s confirmed by the committee will be invited to consider the calling to serve as pastoral elders. The candidates and their spouses are encouraged to be in prayerful discussion with other persons who might be helpful in giving counsel regarding a response to this call.

6. The Nominating Committee with person/s confirmed as candidates who is/are considering an openness for appointment by the congregation may meet with the Pastoral Elders to become informed concerning the function of the elders.

7. The Committee will inform the Church Chairperson as to who the candidates are.

8. On a Sunday late in February, the committee will provide the congregational membership with a ballot of confirmed candidates. Members will be given at least two weeks to return the ballots. A two-thirds (67%) positive response by those voting will be considered a call to the role of pastoral elder.

9. The ballots will be tallied and the candidates informed as soon as possible. The congregation will then be informed of the affirmation of Pastoral Elder/s.

Approved by the congregation~ 7/10/96

Revised by approval of the congregation, 11/22/98