Democratic Process

When there’s heat in the air, that can only mean one thing- time to start the process of finding next year’s officer crop!

Why do we elect officers in the Presbyterian faith?

For 2 reasons:

• To be the hands and feet of Christ- these are our Deacons.  We are commanded by God to care for one another, nurture one another, and be a friend to everyone that walks through our doors.  Deacons have the wonderful qualities of:
  • Strong faith
  • Warm sympathies
  • Empathy
  • Caring

• To lay out God’s vision of the church, and listen to God on where we need to strategically go- these are our Elders.  The true work of the church, and really, any organization, lies in the work of committees.  Yes..I know- you just ran out of the room screaming.  But- #truth!  It really is where the foundations are built, and the work actually gets done.  Elders have the wonderful qualities of:
  • Wisdom and maturity of faith
  • Skills in servant leadership (each Elder chairs a committee that is their responsibility)
  • Compassionate spirit

The process of electing officers is one of the most democratic processes we have available to a congregation to participate in.  The congregation gets to nominate who they think would fit the qualities above, and then it’s up to the ONC (Officer Nominating Committee), to discern those with the best gifts to fill the rolls that are open.

And who serves on the ONC?  Why- members of the congregation!  Doesn’t get more democratic than that!  So- members are indeed choosing members to do God’s work.  Not the pastors, not Grace Presbytery, but…salt of the earth members.

Who are we looking for?

• 7 Deacons to fill a 3 year commitment
• 1 Deacon to fill a 1 year commitment
• 1 Elder to serve over the Finance Committee (3 year commitment)
• 1 Elder to serve over the Mission Committee (3 year commitment)
• 1 Elder to serve over the Personnel Committee (3 year commitment)
• 1 Elder to serve over the Young Adults ministry (3 year commitment)

Looking forward to who God is calling as the next leaders of GPC!

David Hurwich

Chair, ONC