Pastoral Leadership Commission

BIBLICAL MANDATE:  "It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."  Ephesians 4:11-13

FOCUS:  To care for training and credentialing of pastoral leadership for the GLC.  Specifically:  continuing education for pastors, credentialing of pastors, education of ministerial prospects, fellowship of pastors, maintenance of list of credentialed pastors, pastor's benefits, pastoral assignments, pastoral transitions/interim.

This Commission will be responsible for the recruitment and placement of persons who have responded to God's call to Pastoral ministry.  It will give assistance in the training and enabling necessary to fulfill the call and to acquire the credentials needed for ministry.  It will assist in the nurture, care and continuous development of persons under its supervision.  The standards as set forth by the General Conference will be followed by the GLC.  After examination by the Commission, persons who have met the respective requirements for credentials will be recommended to the Executive Board.  Final approval for the Life Ordination credential will be given by the Conference in session.

This Commission will assist pastors in finding ministry within local churches of the GLC and will assist local churches in their search for pastors.  This Commission will work closely with the pastors and churches in attempting to match the pastor's ministry gifts with the churches' ministry needs.  It will provide the necessary advice and counsel to the pastor and church to aid in the search and selection process.  This Commission will be responsible for the approval and appointment of pastors to churches within the GLC.

The Pastoral Leadership Commission will assist the pastor and church requesting to terminate their ministry relationship with each other.  Resignations and/or requests for change by pastor or local church must be made to the Commission in writing according to regulations in the Manual of Operations.  All resignations and/or requests for change of pastor must first be approved by the Commission prior to becoming effective and/or binding upon either party.

When a pastoral vacancy arises, the Commission will immediately work with the church to provide interim supervision and will oversee such assignments.

All pastors considered for appointment by the Commission to local churches in the GLC must hold credentials approved by the GLC.  This Commission will recommend to the Executive Board appropriate disciplinary action for unethical and/or immoral conduct of pastors.  Final decision concerning such action will rest with the Executive Board, with the right of appeal for the accused resting with the GLC in session and further with the Churches of God, General Conference.

Given the nature of the responsibilities of the Pastoral Leadership Commission, membership shall be composed of at least four (4) ordained pastors.