Where do we go from here? : Where do we go from here?
HOW CENTERPOINT PROCEEDS FROM HERE
a.k.a. “Why we’re happy to be part of the PCA”
During the post-modern times in which we live the thought is often expressed, “I don’t believe in organized religion!” The American cultural reaction against institutions has been so strong that entire Christian movements have grown up to appeal to those who don’t want to be part of anything that seems religiously organized.
However, in light of our pastor’s announcement that he’s called to serve God in another part of the Lord’s Kingdom, we think you’ll find that our system of government is not only Biblical, but entirely practical and beneficial. This primer is designed to give you an overview of the process of searching for and calling a new Senior Pastor.
One of the standards of our church is the Presbyterian Church in America’s “Book of Church Order,” or BCO. The BCO gives clear direction on the process, so we’ll let it do the talking:
PCA Book of Church Order 20-2. Every church should be under the pastoral oversight of a minister, and when a church has no pastor it should seek to secure one without delay. A church shall proceed to elect a pastor in the following manner:
1. The Session shall call a congregational meeting to elect a pulpit committee which may be composed of members from the congregation at large or the Session, as designated by the congregation (see BCO 25).
2. The pulpit committee shall, after consultation and deliberation, recommend to the congregation a pastoral candidate who, in its judgment, fulfills the Constitutional requirements of that office (e.g., BCO 8, 13-6 and 21) and is most suited to be profitable to the spiritual interests of the congregation (cf. BCO 20-6).
3. The Session shall order a congregational meeting to convene at the regular place of worship. Public notice of the time, place, and purpose of this meeting shall be given at least one week prior to the time of the meeting.
According to the BCO, CenterPoint Church is right on track, moving forward without delay. We’ve called a congregational meeting and elected a pulpit committee which is composed of members of our church. From here, the committee will seek consultation and deliberate, and bring their recommendation to the Elders. The Elders, in turn, will call a congregational meeting to place the candidate before the church for a vote.
Member participation constitutes the “consultation and deliberation” period, a time during the candidacy of the potential pastor where your feedback will be received. During this time, church members will receive information about the candidate, be able to read materials he may have written. Also, the potential pastor and his family will visit the church, preach for the congregation, interact with our Community Groups and meet people one on one.
At the conclusion of that time of “consultation and deliberation,” the Pulpit Committee will make their recommendation to the Elders and congregation. Assuming the Session concurs with the recommendation and calls the Congregational Meeting, the members of CenterPoint Church will convene to vote whether to call the candidate and approve the terms of a call.
While consultation and deliberation are part of the process, and the congregation will ultimately have to vote to call and support the new pastor, the church can take great comfort in the sovereignty of God. He will send CenterPoint the right man, He will give the congregationally elected Search Team wisdom, and will work through the congregationally elected Elders to see this process through to its conclusion.
We appreciate your confidence in us and encouragement to us during this season of transition at CenterPoint Church. We’ve heard your concerns and will continue to solicit your feedback as we move forward during this exciting time.
Serving Him in WORD & DEED,
The CenterPoint Elders
Steven Brooks, Steve Gibbons, Mike Houghton, Bryan Loney,
Jonathan Watson
