~ by the Pastor and guest writers ~
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Those Who Lead (July 24, 2003) In September of each year our congregation undertakes one of its most important responsibilities. As a congregation, you elect our church officers. This is no ordinary or trivial responsibility. Over the next several weeks the Nominating Committee will be carefully and prayerfully considering the congregation’s suggestions for elders and one member of the Nominating Committee. It has been said, and I agree, that the Nominating Committee is the most important committee in the church. This is because the committee, by deciding who is nominated, strongly affects the direction, energy, and mission of the church. Thus it is not possible to underestimate the importance of the work of this committee. Who are the members of the Nominating Committee? First, the Church Nominating Committee is a committee of the congregation, NOT a committee of the session or the pastor. It is elected by the congregation, except for representatives designated by the Book of Order, and reports to the congregation. In our church the Session designates two active elders on Session to serve on this committee. One elder serves as moderator and the session designates a second elder to serve on the committee. The other three members the congregation elects. As pastor, I serve as a member of the committee ex officio and without vote. Here are the five members of the Church Nominating Committee: Gwyn Kozma – Moderator Pat Moyers – Session Kurt Paton – Member from the congregation Jan Seale – Member from the congregation Chuck Schneider – Member from the congregation Jesse Thornton – Pastor and ex officio member In a few weeks this committee will bring its nominations to the congregation when we will hold a congregational meeting to elect officers. Until that time the Nominating Committee will be soliciting names from the congregation for the offices to be filled. We will do this by the church newsletter and worship bulletins with a suggestion form (please check in this newsletter for the form). Remember, this committee is asking for suggestions, not nominations. The primary function of this committee is to nominate officers to the congregation for election. Their work is considered confidential in order to work effectively. This confidentiality should extend to who is being considered, how they meet the criteria for office, whether or not they were asked to be nominated, and whether or not they accepted. Anything less than this degree of confidentiality can breed ill feelings in the congregation and in people being considered as well as distrust in the work of the committee. I hope you will consider carefully any names you suggest. This is not a popularity contest. I trust you will look at the criteria for elder in the church. Is God calling this person to serve at this time and in this place? What do they bring to the office? Remember, elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and the world (Book of Order G-6.0304). Consider the duties of elders:
I think we need to keep the criteria and duties in mind when making suggestions. Being selected a leader in the church is and should be different from any other office. Spend some time prayerfully considering those who will lead First Presbyterian Church.
 What Are Our Responsibilities As a Congregation? (July 14, 2003) This morning I just finished reading an excellent article from The Presbyterian Outlook published on June 16, 2003 that discusses the responsibilities of congregations. I will summarize many of the excellent points in this small article. As members of First Presbyterian Church you may want to ask about the duties of pastors and elders in our congregation. Another question to add is, ‘What do members of this church really have to do besides attend worship services, serve on committees, and make an annual pledge? The Book of Order discusses the important role the congregation has in the life of the church. Defined as the unit that is made up of all those on “the active roll of the particular church” (G-7.0301), the responsibilities of the congregation are primarily those given to all the members as a whole, i.e., proclaiming the good news; taking part in the common life and worship of the church; praying and studying Scripture and the faith of the Christian church; supporting the church with money, time, and talent; participating in the governing of the church; demonstrating a new quality of personal life; responding to God’s activity in the world through Christian service; living responsibly in the personal, family, vocational, political, cultural, and social relationships of life; and working in the world for peace, justice, freedom, and human fulfillment (G-5.0102).
But this is not all you do. Here are some specifics: But your responsibilities are not over. The congregation is specifically charged by our Constitution to provide an atmosphere of inclusiveness to ALL who believe in Christ. Although the officers are also required to create the conditions of an open community, the congregation’s responsibility is primary and no individual can pass it off as incidental. “The congregation shall welcome all persons who respond in trust and obedience to God’s grace in Jesus Christ and desire to become part of the membership and ministry of his church. No person shall be denied membership because of race, ethnic origin, worldly condition, or any other reason not related to profession of faith. Each member must seek the grace of openness in extending the fellowship of Christ to all persons….Failure to do so constitutes a rejection of Christ himself and causes a scandal to the gospel.” (G-5.0103). What else is there as far as your responsibilities? The members of the church voluntarily put themselves under the leadership of the elected officers. They agree that the peaceful functioning of the life and the administration of the church rests on fellowship and trust rather than any particular concept of institutional structure. “The law and government of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) presuppose the fellowship of women and men with their children in voluntary covenanted relationship with one another and with God through Jesus Christ. The organization rests upon the fellowship and is not designed to work without trust and love” (G-7.0103). Had you thought there was this much for you as member of our congregation? When you consider the list of responsibilities that face all of us it is not surprising that our Constitution directs us to review and evaluate the integrity with which we are involved in the ministry of the church and consider ways in which our participation “in the worship and service of the church may be increased and made more meaningful” (G-5.0501). I hope you will think about this list and what it means to you to be a member of this congregation. None of us should take membership lightly. Discipleship was never meant to be easy but God’s grace is sufficient for each of us.
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