As part of our ongoing leadership development at Grace, every two years we recruit new Elders to serve the congregation. Election to the eldership is the call of God, through the congregation, for service in Christ’s Church. Since the eldership is a spiritual office concerned with the rule and pastoral oversight of the congregation, only suitable people should be considered. They should be committed Christians, in regular attendance at public worship, persons of sound judgment and upright character, and either knowledgeable or prepared to learn of the government of the church. The right of electing elders is vested in the professing members of the congregation. (Book of Forms 132).
This is how members of Grace can participate in the process of choosing new Ruling Elders (this process follows the guidelines set out in the Presbyterian Church of Canada’s Book of Forms):
· Pray for potential new Elders.
· Exercise discernment about nominating a member of Grace to this office.
· Find another member to submit a nomination of a potential new Elder. New Elders must be nominated by two members of the congregation.
How do you do this?
· Fill in the nomination form below – this will be emailed directly to Rev. Wendy Adams
· Nominations will be accepted from until Monday, December 4, 2023.
Once the nomination period has ended, Rev. Wendy Adams will interview the nominees to gauge their interest moving forward. The nominee will then meet with the Ad Hoc Committee to explore their sense of calling.
Those who do feel called, will allow their name to be reviewed by the current Session Elders and then have their nomination stand before the congregation to be voted on by members at a congregational meeting in April of 2024.
Subsequent to their election, there will be a service of ordination.
If you have any questions about this process, you may speak with Rev. Wendy Adams or your Elder.
