Nominating Committees: How They Serve the Good of the Community

Mt. Tabor has a long tradition of selecting individuals to serve on the nominating committee at each annual meeting. This role is frequently overlooked or misunderstood. The committee's goal is to find qualified, eligible candidates and recommend them to the congregation for service on the church council. The nominating committee conducts this work on behalf of the congregation. Here is a glimpse of how this important process might take place.

The committee begins with an initial meeting focused on study and prayer. This typically includes a brief devotion centered on the biblical foundations for leadership. The committee then establishes a timeline and outlines the tasks each member will complete. At this stage, the number of candidates needed for the slate to be presented for congregational vote is also determined.

Each subsequent meeting also begins with study and prayer. Careful discernment is a crucial aspect of the committee's responsibilities and is approached with utmost seriousness. The committee trusts that the Holy Spirit is actively present and guiding the process.

The committee then prayerfully begins to develop a list of potential candidates, asking thoughtful questions such as:

·       Has this individual previously been a member of the council?

• What experience might this person bring?
• Would they accept the nomination?
• Why would this person’s service be important?
• How long have they been a member of the congregation?
• Does this person demonstrate a servant’s heart?

During this process, some names may be set aside for various reasons. Committee members are asked to pray over the remaining names before the next meeting.

When the committee gathers again, members continue to pray over the names and engage in further discussion and discernment. Additional names may be considered. The committee then determines who will contact potential candidates and establishes a timeline for completing these invitations.

After all contacts have been made, the committee meets again to review responses, continue in prayerful discernment, and finalize the slate of candidates to present to the council. Because this process involves intentional prayer and careful consideration, nominations from the floor at the annual meeting are not always helpful, as they may not reflect the same level of discernment. By honoring this process, we act together in unity and allow the Holy Spirit to guide the leadership of our congregation.

We invite the congregation to support this process through prayer—for the nominating committee, for those who are asked to serve, and for those who will ultimately step into leadership roles. The committee undertakes this responsibility on your behalf, seeking God’s guidance each step of the way.