It is always difficult when a minister leaves a congregation. It is normal for congregations to experience
grief and to worry about the future. Presbytery appoints an interim moderator of the session to assist
congregations during this time of transition and to help them in their search for a new minister. There are a number of steps that need to be followed in ‘The Call’ process.

We believe that God’s spirit is active as congregations move through this process and call a new minister.

The Call Process

  1. Presbytery is informed that your minister is leaving.
  2. A small team from Presbytery visits the congregation.
  3. Presbytery appoints an interim moderator to
    ▪ ensure that pastoral care happens
    ▪ ensure that the pulpit is filled
    ▪ meet with the Board of Managers to assess the financial stability of the congregation
    ▪ moderate Session meetings
    ▪ assist the Search Committee in their work
  4. Search Committee is formed to put together the congregational profile, advertise the position, and look
    for eligible people to apply for the position.
  5. Applications are received and prayerfully considered. One or more candidates are interviewed by the
    Search Committee.
  6. Normally, one person is recommended by the Search Committee to the Session to preach for the call
    (eg. Meet the congregation and lead in Sunday worship).
  7. The congregation votes either to call this person as their new minister, or to continue in their search.
    All people who are present at the congregational meeting are invited to sign the call document.
  8. Elders visit those not present at the congregational meeting to ask them to support the congregation’s
    decision and sign the call document.
  9. The candidate is informed of the congregation’s decision.
  10. Representatives of the congregation are invited to attend the next Presbytery meeting to speak in
    support of the call.
  11. After ensuring the strength of the call, Presbytery votes to sustain the call.
  12. The call document is forwarded to the candidate’s Presbytery.
  13. The candidate’s home Presbytery examines the strength of the call and votes that it be sustained.
  14. The call document is placed in the hands of the candidate and normally it is accepted.
  15. The induction service is planned and held, and the care of the candidate is transferred to his/her new
    Presbytery.