“And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent.” Rom. 10:14
My predecessor as moderator of the Deacons quipped as she rotated off the board, “I am convinced that ‘Presbyterian’ is the Hebrew word for ‘death by committee.’” She wasn’t too far off in her observation. One would certainly think so. In a 3800-member church with dozens of diaconate and Session committees we were always meeting and deciding something, or so it seemed.
Admittedly, Presbyterians are a deliberative lot. Our democratic, bottom-up governance system is a hallmark of who we are. Unlike the Methodists, Episcopalians and others, we are not a top-down, hierarchical denomination. No one assigns a pastor to us. And at the same time, we are connectional. Every church has a stake in what every other church does.
And while every church is connected to every other church, each of our churches also has considerable autonomy. Part of that autonomy is tremendous freedom in choosing its next Minister of Word and Sacrament.
When I was with you a month ago – and even during visits in late-winter before joining your pastoral team of preachers – I heard your frustrations with the process of calling a new, full-time installed minister. I understand. Over the almost 40 years as a member of my current church, I have shared your pain as we have called three pastors. So I write this to assure you: God has a plan for First Presbyterian Church in Sylva, and God’s loving hand is upon your Pastor Nominating Committee as they guide you through this process.
And it is a process! One only Presbyterians could think up! From the election of the PNC, to a Mission Study, to matching and interviews, to approval on your regional Committee on Ministry (called the “COM”), to a vote of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina to receive your new minister and approving the terms of call, it typically takes 12 to 24 months as fast as you can go.
Be patient. The system is designed to ensure consensus among a congregation, the Presbytery, and the minister rather than an executive appointment. This guarantees the right fit for you.
We are blessed that those before us created a system to ensure God’s will is done.
Jeffrey Gray, Candidate for Commissioned Ruling Elder