Process for electing new elders and deacons

This policy assumes the definitions and roles of Elders and Deacons detailed in the Transitional Leadership Team’s (TLT) proposed revisions to the RCC Bylaws. After the bylaws revisions are accepted by the congregation, this is the procedure that the TLT will follow to discern and select people to nominate for the offices of Elder and Deacon. 

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The TLT also plans to nominate this first round of Elders and Deacons with staggered term lengths, different than what is described in the bylaws. This will be done to avoid the situation where all of the Elders and Deacons terms are ending at the same time. 

 

Once the first round of Elders and Deacons are selected and installed, they may adopt this policy, and make adjustments as needed, for future elections. 

 

1. Call the whole church to pray about who the Spirit is setting apart for leadership in our church. Give the congregation 2 weeks to pray before moving on to the next step, also encouraging the congregation to remain prayerful throughout the process. 
    

2. The TLT asks for input from the congregation for any suggestions for nominees. 

   1. The TLT should give the congregation 4 weeks to submit their suggestions. 

   2. A suggestion must include the person’s name, the role they are being nominated for, and reasons why he/she is being nominated.
       

3. The TLT speaks to the persons it wishes to nominate, and will give them 2 weeks to pray and decide whether to accept the nomination or not. 
    

4. The TLT produces its set of nominees, 1 nomination per vacancy

   1. The TLT should be doing this on a rolling basis as suggestions are received. 

   2. The TLT will nominate for the following offices

      1. RCC Elder to serve alongside Pastor Andrew

      2. Youth Elder to serve alongside Pastor Andy

      3. Children’s Elder to serve alongside directors Becky and Dan

      4. Deacon over Finance

      5. Deacon over Worship

      6. Deacon over Education

      7. Deacon over House Church

      8. Deacon over Mission

   3. The TLT should be in unanimous agreement about these nominees. 
       

5. Nominees must be presented to the congregation a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the congregation meeting via email

   1. The TLT should also share about its reasons for nominating these people in the email.
       

6. At the next congregation meeting the nominees are voted on, individually. 

   1. Nominees must receive 2/3 affirmative votes of quorum to be accepted. 
       

7. The newly accepted Elders and Deacons will be ordained for service, during Sunday worship.

   1. They are expected to begin their duties immediately; their term commences on the day of their ordination.