I wrote last week about our potential opportunity to hire a new shepherding pastor — and our candidate, Tony Myers, very ably and faithfully preached at our services last Sunday.

Following that, and a week of interactions here with various leaders, officers, volunteers and staff members, our elders have voted to propose a call for Tony to join our team here and be our new shepherding pastor.

As I outlined, this has to be approved by our congregation in a formal vote. So, our called congregational meeting is this Sunday!

I want to outline for you how the meeting will go and how members will be able to vote. In short, how does a church with two services have one vote?

First, in order to include everyone from both services, we will conduct the vote by a written ballot. Even though only members may vote, we will include a ballot in your worship folder.

Second, because formally, our vote has to be conducted within a congregational meeting, we will explain this process at the beginning of the first service and then call the meeting to order. That way anyone who wants to vote during the first service can do so at that time. The meeting will technically continue throughout the duration of both services and then, after the second service is over, we will have time for questions. This means that if you would like to voice concerns or make any inquiries, that you will need to attend that time after the second service. If you normally attend the first service, then you can do that and come back around noon when the second service will be ending, or you could attend the second service this week.

Third, once any discussions are complete, we will make a final call for votes, count them and then communicate immediately the outcome of the vote. Only then will we adjourn the formal aspect of our congregational meeting.

Some things to consider: First, as I mentioned last week, I realize that the technical process may be tedious, but our Book of Church Order requires that we proceed this way. We just do not have the liberty to sidestep or alter any of this procedure. The goal is for us to have a careful process and integrity in the outcomes. Second, this is not merely a rubber stamp. This is a real vote. If there is not a clear majority in favor of hiring Tony, then our elders will respect that. And if there is a clear majority, then (and only then) can Tony proceed to being examined by our Presbytery for their approval of his beliefs and character. But whatever the outcome, your will as a congregation matters! Third, the finances or budget for hiring Tony was already included in our 2024 budget that was approved back in December. This means that we don’t have to discuss costs or budgets, AND it is an ongoing demonstration of how Trinity members and attenders are generous to financially support our ministries.

I am abidingly grateful for that! Hopefully, you can join us on Sunday for this significant meeting and congregational vote.