Scarsdale Congregational Church

Bylaws, Article VIII

Our Governance, Bylaws

ARTICLE VIII

THE ORDAINED MINISTERS

Section 1. Responsibilities

The ordained Ministers shall have the responsibility for leading the congregation into a broader and deeper understanding of the Christian faith so that all who seek God may become familiar with the Christian heritage and find a personal faith within the Christian tradition. Unless otherwise provided in their Call, Ministers shall, among other responsibilities:

a. conduct the services of worship, and administer the sacraments,

b. perform the agreed upon pastoral and administrative functions,

c. prepare for the annual corporate meeting a report of ministerial activities for the previous calendar year, and

d. be Officers of the Church, voting members of the General Board, and non-voting members of all Standing Committees except the Nominating and Clergy Relations Committees.

Section 2. The Call: Procedure and Terms

When a candidate is to be called for an ordained ministerial position, the General Board shall prepare a description of the Minister's expected responsibilities, and propose nominations for a Search Committee, both of which actions shall be submitted to the qualified voters for approval at a corporate meeting. When the Search Committee has agreed upon a candidate, it shall prepare a Call to the Minister, the terms of which shall include a description of responsibilities, the duration of the Call, the salary range, and pension, insurance, housing, and other allowances. The naming of a Minister and the terms of the Call shall be approved by the qualified voters at a special corporate meeting called for that purpose. Subsequent changes in the terms of the Call shall require the approval of the qualified voters at a corporate meeting. When a Call has been approved, the Minister shall join the Church and shall thereafter be installed at a service conforming to the practice of the United Church of Christ. Ministers shall hold office for the duration of their Call or until retirement, resignation, or dismissal.