Article 1.    The Calling of the Pastor:

When need arises to call a pastor, a Pulpit Committee shall be called consisting of six members.  Two members will be named from the Board of Deacons by that board.  One member will be named from the Board of Trustees by that board.  Two members will be called on an at-large basis at a properly warned meeting of the church.  A youth advisor or senior high youth group member will be selected to serve on this committee as well.
        
This committee shall take the necessary action to secure a pastoral candidate.  It shall investigate the merits of each person under consideration in regard to character, education, theological beliefs, ministerial record, and preaching ability.  It is recommended that the Pastor have four years of college and three years of seminary training and be recognized as having privilege of call with the American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire.  The candidate shall accept in spirit the Code of Ethics of the Ministers Council of the American Baptist Churches USA.  When the committee has agreed on a suitable candidate, the committee shall recommend this person to the church for consideration.

The call of the Pastor shall come before the church at a properly warned meeting of the church body.  Notice from the pulpit will be given on two consecutive Sundays.  A 2/3 vote of those present and voting is required to extend a call to a pastoral candidate.  One third of the qualified voting membership shall be required for a quorum.  The vote on a motion to call a candidate shall be by secret ballot.

A candidate shall be presented only after a mutually agreeable arrangement on salary, pension, professional expenses, health insurance, vacation, study and days off has been agreed upon and made available to the body.  The candidate must agree to accept our church's Covenant, By-laws, and Mission Statement.  A report of these agreements, plus biographical and professional information about the candidate will be made available at least one week before the church meeting.

Article 2.    The Termination of the Pastorate:

The Pastoral relationship shall continue by mutual agreement without specification as to term.  The relationship may be dissolved upon a majority vote of those voting at a properly warned meeting of the church body.  One third of the qualified voting membership shall be required for a quorum.  This vote will constitute a dissolution of the relationship with assurance of two months' full compensation.  The pastor may continue his or her duties during this period if the church so desires.

The Pastor may also dissolve the relationship by tendering a resignation giving two month's notice of the dissolution of the relationship.



Article 3.    The Duties of the Pastor:

The Pastor will become a member of the church upon beginning pastoral duties.  The Pastor will exercise spiritual oversight of the church's ministry and members, administer the ordinances of     the Lord's Supper and Baptism, and, in consultation with the Board of Deacons, have control of the pulpit and services of public worship.  The Pastor's main purpose will be the preaching of the Gospel, teaching and visiting among the people of the church, and the general administration of the church's ministry.
           
The Pastor's participation in denominational, ecumenical, and community organizations is at the Pastor's discretion provided the duties of ministry to the church are not neglected.