Grace Baptist Church - Bylaws - Article J

ARTICLE J - SEARCH COMMITTEE

Section 1. Election and Term:

a.  In the event of a vacancy in the Senior Pastor’s position, a Search Committee will be formed consisting of the Moderator, two deacons selected by the Deacon Board, and two members of the church elected by the congregation.

b.  When considering the call of assistant or associate pastors, Article B, Section 4, Other Pastors, paragraphs a and b shall apply.

c.  This committee shall cease to exist when a candidate accepts a call by the congregation.

Section 2. Duties:

a.  Elect a chairman and a corresponding secretary who shall keep a record of the meetings and handle the official correspondence.

b.  Examine and recommend candidates to the congregation for the position of Senior Pastor, Assistant or Associate Pastors.

c.  The Committee shall thoroughly investigate each prospective candidate’s spiritual, educational and theological qualifications to serve the needs of this church and shall ensure that his doctrinal position is in keeping with the faith and practice of this church.

d.  The committee shall not make it known that a Pastor is under consideration until they have been notified that he is willing to consider a call if given a favorable vote by the church.

e.  Members of the committee will not reveal names of individuals under consideration until the committee presents a unanimous, written recommendation to the church.

f.  No more than o­ne candidate shall be presented to the church at any o­ne time.

g.  Prior to extending a call, the church should, in congregational business meetings, carefully determine the terms to be expressed in the contractual relationship. These should be clearly stated in the letter calling a pastor:

  1. The call shall be for an indefinite tenure.
  2. What the salary will be, when and how paid.
  3. Whether living quarters will be furnished by the church, and if owned by the church, how the upkeep will be provided.
  4. What provision will be made for vacations, attendance at conventions, absence, pulpit supply, and the expenses of the pastor.
  5. What provision will be made for office, office supplies, secretarial help, transportation expense, etc.
  6. Whether the church will participate in the Minister’s Retirement plan.


h.  The committee shall request the Deacon Board to call a special business meeting to consider the call of a pastor. 85% of all ballots cast shall be necessary for election.

i.  Following the election of a pastor the Pulpit Committee shall send a letter setting forth the terms of the call. A place shall be available for the signatures of the Chairman of the Pulpit Committee, and Chairman of the Deacon Board. They shall ask the Candidate for a written response to acknowledge his acceptance of the call.