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Selection of the Pulpit Committee
Section 3. Special Committees
(a) Pulpit Committee
The Pulpit Committee shall be elected at a special business meeting called by the Board of Ministries upon the Senior Pastor’s death, retirement, dismissal, or resignation. At least 20 members, representative of various groups and ages of the church, shall be nominated from the floor. The eight nominees receiving the highest by vote of written ballot shall, with the Moderator and Staff-Congregation Relations Committee representative, constitute the Pulpit Committee. The Moderator shall convene the committee immediately for the purpose of choosing a Chairperson and Secretary. Not more than one member of a household shall be eligible to serve on the Pulpit Committee.
The Pulpit Committee shall be guided in its work of selecting a prospective Pastor by recommendations published by the Region Council on Ministry of the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region (ABCCR) and Commission on the Ministry of the American Baptist Churches U.S.A., and shall work in close cooperation with the Executive Minister and the Area Minister of the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region.
The Pulpit Committee shall cooperate with the Board of Ministries in arranging for pulpit supply during the interval between Pastors.
(b) The Selection of an Interim Pastor
The Pulpit Committee shall recommend to the church entrance into the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region (ABCCR) Interim Minister Program, for a candidate for Interim Pastor.
(c) The Selection of a Senior Pastor
At a special business meeting of the church, the name recommended by the Pulpit Committee shall be presented, and a written ballot taken on the calling of the candidate. If there is an affirmative vote, as provided by By-Laws, Article IV, Section 1, the candidate shall be called.
The Pulpit Committee, shall, after consultation with the Staff-Congregation Relations Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Ministries, provide a written agreement between the Pastor and the church, covering such matters as salary, vacation, pension plan, and setting forth all the items of agreement between the Pastor and the church. This agreement shall be kept on file with the Board of Ministries.
(d) Any other additional committees as may be designated by the Board of Ministries.
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