GENERAL CRITERIAN AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL CHURCH OFFICERS

The members elect the leaders of the church. Together with the Ministers of Word and Sacrament, those who are elected to serve exercise leadership, government, discipline and have responsibilities for the life of the church. God gives suitable gifts and passions to those called to exercise various duties and special functions in the church. Leadership qualities, whether natural or developed, are important. Our officers should exhibit the following qualities: 1. Possess a love for God and strong Christian commitment. (The example is Jesus Christ) 2. Be a committed member of STPC who regularly attends worship, actively participates in the life of the church, and supports the churchs ministry with a regular financial commitment. 3. Possess a willingness to strengthen and nurture the faith of others while growing in their own Christian experience and commitment. 4. Demonstrate leadership qualities: Integrity Vision Sound judgment Open-mindedness and flexibility Organizational skills Communication skills Ability to empower and delegate Ability to build a team Ability to work within a team

DUTIES / CHARACTERISTICS OF CHURCH OFFICERS The Book of Order has long lists of the duties and characteristics of church officers. (Section G Chapters VI and VII) For Elders: Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world. The duties of elders both individually and jointly are listed. (G-6.0300) Strengthen and nurture the faith of the congregation Encourage the people in worship and service of God Equip and renew the people for their tasks within the church and for their mission in the world Visit, comfort, and care for the people Assist in worship Cultivate their ability to teach the Bible Since the Session is responsible for many duties in the church, elders should have some of those abilities, gifts, and skills to assist in carrying out those duties. For Deacons: The office of Deacon is one of sympathy, witness and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Deacons should be persons of spiritual character, honest repute, lead exemplary lives, show brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment. The duties of deacons are listed. (G-6.0400) To minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. Other duties as assigned by the Session

Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church 2621 Shane Drive Richmond, CA 94806

STPC Preamble
We, the members of the Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church, believing Jesus Christ to be the savior and Liberator of mankind, do join together in forming a Christian body, dedicated to enhancing the spirituality of the dispirited, restoring dignity to the disinherited, and bringing justice to the oppressed; with our first responsibility toward God in worship and study, and then toward the people in discovering and presenting the meaning of the Gospel for our times; and in order to be the Church, offer to invest our humanity in the causes of Christ through: the institution of justice and peace; the elimination of racism, oppression and poverty; the unification of families; and all other societal changes necessary for the affirmation of personhood as children of God.

Nomination for Church Officer

I suggest the name of ____________________________________ for nomination to the office of: Elder Deacon Nominating Committee I have spoken to this person about this nomination and he/she is willing to serve, if elected. Yes Needs time to pray over it To the best of your knowledge, please comment on the nominee in the areas that follow:

Deadline is September 25, 2011

Return completed forms by placing them in the box labeled Nominating Forms located in the Narthex. The 2011 Nominating Committee is currently seeking your suggestions for nominations for the offices of Elder, Deacon, and Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee members are elected by the congregation and serve a one-year term. The committee is responsible for examining the criteria and qualifications for church leaders who serve a three-year term or less as need dictates. With the help of the STPC congregation, it identifies candidates and invites them to serve. Then the committee presents a slate of nominees to the congregation for election. Those currently serving on the Nominating Committee are the following: Elder, Renee Coleman Chair Elder, Vera Labat Co-Chair Gloria Gideon Deacon Designee Renee Bray Member-at-Large Cora Brown Member-at-Large Sharon Fuller Member-at-Large Ken Tramiel Member-at-Large Rev. Kamal Hassan Ex-Officio Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 8 Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, Ephesians 6:7-8 NLT Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church

Nominations of Church Officers Elders / Deacons and Nominating Committee

General Church Participation: Attendance at corporate worship; Participation in church ministries; Additional services rendered; Offices held Christian Living in Daily Life: Within the family; At work; In the Community Personal Characteristics and Skills: Cooperativeness; Willingness to learn; Openness to new ideas; Maturity of judgment; Ability to follow through on assignments Particular Qualifications for this Office:

Kaleo: to call or to invite

Richmond, California
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In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)