Nominating FAQ

Officer Nominating Frequently Asked Questions

Who can serve as an officer of Eastminster?

Each leadership candidate for office must be a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church for at least one year and demonstrate faithful participation in both worship and the life of our church, and financial stewardship, by pledging and contributing to the ministry and mission of Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

Who can submit a recommendation?

Any member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church can do so.

Can I recommend myself?

Yes, self-recommendations are welcome and encouraged! Whether you have served before or would be a new leader, the committee welcomes your self-recommendation.

What about recommending others?

The Nominating Committee encourages you to recommend one or more persons. If you are recommending someone, you must discuss your recommendation with the candidate to determine his or her willingness and ability to serve.

What is the time commitment for an officer?

All church officers attend monthly meetings and serve on or lead one or more committees. Adults are elected for three-year terms. Prior to ordination and installation, newly elected officers are required to attend training and a session visioning retreat.

What is the job of the Session?

The Session, which is the governing body of the church, provides oversight for the wide-ranging and growing church programs. The Pastor is the moderator of the Session. Ruling elders are so named because “they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life.” The Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order advises congregations to “elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit.” The Session is responsible for providing for worship and the administration of the Sacraments: Baptism and Communion; receiving new members; leading the congregation in mission; providing for educational ministry, pastoral care, and fellowship opportunities; and stewardship.
Particular responsibilities include:

Attend monthly Session meetings
Lead or serve on one or more Session committees
Participate in serving Communion on designated Sundays

Each year 4 adults are elected to serve a 3-year term of service.
Additionally a youth elder can be elected each year to serve a 1-year term. A youth elder is a full-fledged member of the session, attending monthly meetings and serving on a committee.

What are the responsibilities of the board of trustees?

The Board of Trustees answers to the Session and is entrusted to manage the church’s financial and physical resources. A demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of Eastminster Presbyterian Church plus all-around management skills and experience are desired. Responsibilities include:

Actively participate in the financial stewardship activities of the church

Each year 1 adult is elected to serve a 3-year term of service.

What is an At-Large Nominating Committee Member?

The Nominating Committee is charged to search for and select active members of the congregation to serve as church officers and to ensure that the officer candidates reflect the rich diversity of the congregation’s membership.
Nominating Committee members have demonstrated a commitment to Eastminster Presbyterian Church through active participation in various ministries and are familiar with a wide range of church members. Prior experience serving as an officer of Eastminster Presbyterian Church is desirable but not required.
Responsibilities include

Actively encourage officer candidate recommendations and meet with clergy, staff, and church committee leaders to identify such leadership candidates
Participate in committee discussions about each individual officer candidate in order to develop a potential slate
Contact the prospective nominees to extend the call to serve
Hold in confidence the business of the committee

Each year 3 adult At-Large members of the congregation are elected to serve a 1-year term of service.

What is The Work of the Nominating Committee?

What are the Nominating Committee Responsibilities?

Every year the committee is responsible for nominating 7 members of Eastminster Presbyterian Church to serve three-year terms in office:

4 Elders (including 1 youth, when possible)
1 Trustee

Every year the committee is also responsible for nominating 3 members of Eastminster Presbyterian Church to serve a one-year term as At-Large Nominating Committee Members.

What is the COMPOSITION Nominating Committee?

3 At-Large members of the congregation who are elected at the prior year’s annual meeting and serve a one-year term
3 Elders of the church
1 representative from the adult Sunday School classes
1 representative from the Eastminster Presbyterian Women
The Pastor serves ex officio, without vote

Who are the MEMBERS of the 2023 Nominating Committee?

TBD(Elder, Chair)
TBD(Elder)
TBD(Elder)
TBD(At-Large Member)
TBD(At-Large Member)
TBD(At-Large Member)
TBD (Sunday School Representative)
TBD (Eastminster Presbyterian Church Representative)

For additional information about recommending individuals for church leadership, please feel free to contact any member of the Nominating Committee.