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RATIONALE: The Church Manual references a board of elders, but there has been no additional information or definition. This new section explains the organization and purpose of this board.
VOTED, To add a new section, Board of Elders, to the Church Manual, Chapter 8, Local Church Officers and Organizations, following Religious Leaders of the Church, on page 73, to read as follows:
Board of Elders—Where a church has a number of elders, it should organize a board of elders chaired by the pastor or his/her designee and with the first elder or another elder serving as secretary. Such a body provides a way to distribute responsibility and coordinate their contributions for the well-being of the congregation. It also provides a training ground where elders are instructed in their duties. The board of elders is accountable to the church board.
VOTED, To call for the vote on the item, Board of Elders - Church Manual Addition.
VOTED, To cease debate on the motion.
RATIONALE: This amendment clarifies the process by which an elder can chair the church board.
VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 8, Local Church Officers and Organizations, pages 73 and 74, Relationship to the Pastor (Elders), to read as follows:
Relationship to the Pastor—If the conference committee assigns a pastor or pastors to the congregation, the pastor, or senior pastor if more than one, should be considered the ranking officer and the local elders as assistants. Since their work is closely related, they should work together harmoniously. The pastor should not assume all lines of responsibility, responsibility but should share these with the elders and other officers. The pastor regularly serving the church acts as the chairperson of the board. (See pp. 32, 131.) There may be circumstances, however, when it would be advisable for an elder to act as chairperson, with the approval of the pastor or, if the church is without a pastor, the conference president. chairperson. The pastoral work of the church should be shared by the pastor and the elders. In counsel with the pastor, the elders should visit members, minister to the sick, foster prayer ministries, arrange or lead out in anointing services and child dedications, encourage the disheartened, and assist in other pastoral responsibilities. As undershepherds, elders should exercise constant vigilance over the flock.
If the pastor is a licensed minister, the church or churches served should elect the pastor as an elder. (See p. 33.)
Because the pastor is appointed to the position in the church by the conference, the pastor serves the church as a conference employee, is responsible to the conference committee, and maintains a sympathetic and cooperative relation to and works in harmony with all the plans and policies of the local church. Elders, who are elected by the church, are responsible to that body and to its board. (See below.)
RATIONALE: This amendment encourages elders to focus on the nurture and spiritual growth of members.
VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 8, Local Church Officers and Organizations, page 75, To Foster Bible Study, Prayer, and a Relationship with Jesus (Elders), to read as follows:
To Foster Bible Study, Prayer, Nurture, and Spiritual Growth of Members—As and a Relationship With Jesus—As spiritual leaders, elders are responsible for encouraging members to develop a personal relationship with Jesus by strengthening their habits of personal Bible study and prayer. Elders should model a commitment to Bible study and prayer and should support all ministries and promote programs of the local church and the local conference. They should also be committed to nurture and to inspire the spiritual growth of church members. prayer. An effective personal prayer life of every member, supporting all ministries and programs of the local church, and the local conference, will enhance the church’s mission. Elders may ask the board to appoint a council to assist in this role of development and encouragement.
VOTED, To approve the following partial report of the Nominating Committee:
VOTED, To approve the following partial report of the Nominating Committee:
VOTED, To approve the following partial report of the Nominating Committee:
VOTED, To approve the following partial report of the Nominating Committee: