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From Call to Settlement |
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by Lloyd M. Hall, Jr. |
The Council By Itself
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The candidate, all members of the inviting Church and all others
who are not from invited Churches will retire, leaving the members
of the Council alone. Honorary members and non-delegate
members of invited Churches remain with voice but not vote. This
is the time when the Council will weigh all of the material that has
been presented.
The Church's procedures, the candidate's process and preparation,
the candidate's faith and character will all be discussed. Has the
Church discerned well the candidate's call from God? Is there, in
the candidate, the spiritual maturity required? If this is an
installation Council, have the Church and candidate discerned well
the potential for a mutually beneficial ministry? Are the terms of
the call appropriate and supportive? In either instance, is this a
person who will bring credit to Christ's ministry and favor to the
Congregational Way?
If there are shortcomings or concerns, the Council will have to
determine the severity of the failure. Is it something that simply
needs to be brought to the attention of the Church or candidate? Is
it something that needs to be rectified before the Council can join
the Church in the service of ordination? Is the failure so grievous
as to prevent the Council from ever joining with this Church and/or
this candidate in ordination?30
Ultimately, a vote by the Council will be taken on a specific
finding. The Council will express itself clearly as to what its
position will be with respect to proceeding. That finding will be
the key result of this Council and will be incorporated in the
minutes. 31
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30
Or installation.
31
"The record of the Vicinage Council
...
admits the Minister to all rights,
duties, responsibilities and privileges of an Ordained Congregational Christian
Minister..."( Gray, op. cit.; p 691) |
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National Association of Congregational Christian
Churches
PO Box 288, Oak Creek, WI 53154
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