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In all your ways acknowledge the Lord, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:6
Dear NPC Friends,
As we write this letter, Allan is expecting the arrival of his first grandchild very soon. We are so excited—please pray for the baby’s safe arrival! When Donna had her children, most new parents read a book called What to Expect When You’re Expecting. The tome helped many anxious parents to understand milestones and learn how to support the arrival of a new life.
In a way, our congregation is expecting, too! We are awaiting the final report of our Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC), and the chance to hear the PNC’s nominee, Dr. Raymond Hylton, Sr., preach at National. The milestone day is Sunday April 30: please attend worship, and come to the annual meeting of the congregation at noon in person.
It has been a long time since our congregation received a new senior pastor, so we thought it would be helpful to share what you can expect (and not expect) on April 30 in this longer-than-usual letter.
Why is there a congregational meeting to vote on the next senior pastor, and how does it work?
- In our denomination, the congregation approves the hiring and “Terms of Call” of all installed pastors. (“Terms of Call” essentially means the pastor’s compensation package.) This is part of the transparency built into our Presbyterian system.
- You will be voting on BOTH the candidate AND his Terms of Call in one vote. That means you either vote yes on the person and the package, or no on the person and the package on a single ballot. This approach is specifically required by our presbytery.
- The Terms of Call package to be presented at the meeting has been negotiated by the PNC with the blessing of the Finance Council and Personnel Council.
Is there an online option to participate in this meeting and vote?
- No. This congregational meeting is in-person only. It will not be livestreamed like our Sunday services or broadcast in any other way. This is because it is an internal voting meeting for members of the congregation, not a public event—and anything broadcast on the internet is a public event! Please join us for worship and the in-person meeting if you possibly can.
Who can attend the meeting?
- Anyone can attend the meeting, regardless of whether they are an official member, BUT…..
Who can speak and vote at the meeting?
- ONLY actual members of the congregation may speak at the meeting and vote. Frequent attenders, visitors, and even affiliate members may not ask questions or vote.
Will the Senior Pastor candidate be in the room for this meeting?
- No, not until the very end after the vote.
Will we have a chance to ask questions of the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC)?
- Yes. Questions to the PNC are in order. Anyone who speaks should begin by stating their name.
How will we vote?
- This meeting requires a written ballot vote on the PNC’s recommendation and the Terms of Call. Other business may be voted on by voice vote.
- Voting by members only is on the honor system. We will not take attendance, and you will not write your name on your ballot.
Will we hear the result of the vote on the Senior Pastor candidate at the meeting?
- Yes. Written ballots will be counted by tellers appointed by the Clerk of Session. Each teller is member of NPC who is not currently on the PNC, session, or staff. The results will be reported in the meeting as soon as tellers are done counting.
Is there any business to be conducted at this meeting other than hearing from the PNC and voting on the senior pastor?
- Yes. There will be a brief report from the Church Nominating Committee (CNC) and a vote on the persons nominated to serve on the CNC for the coming year.
- This meeting will also serve as the annual meeting of the congregation and Corporation.
- You will receive the NPC annual report, which will be discussed while we are waiting for tellers to count the results of the vote on the senior pastor.
If the vote on the PNC’s recommended candidate is affirmative, will there be a party afterward to welcome him and his family?
- Not on April 30, but on June 11. Not only would it be unseemly to plan a party before a vote, April 30 will be a long day, and we do not know how long the congregational meeting will last. Better to celebrate with special music and a lovely, relaxed reception after what we hope will be our new pastor’s first Sunday on June 11.
- After a new pastor comes, there is also a formal ceremony called an “installation” at a Sunday afternoon worship service. The new pastor helps to plan the installation with the presbytery and session. The event often includes guests from the community and other clergy.
How long will Rev. Allan Poole stay?
- Allan plans to be here through Sunday, June 4, when we will have a chance to thank him for his ministry to us. Dr. Hylton’s first day on the job would be the next day, Monday, June 5.
Most importantly, how can we pray?
- Please pray that NPC will live into Proverbs 3:6, the verse at the top of this letter, and that the Holy Spirit will guide us clearly and powerfully.
- Please pray for our PNC, elders, and church staff as they prepare for the April 30 meeting.
- Please pray for Dr. and Mrs. Hylton’s peace and strength as they prepare for this big day!
Yours in Christ, |
