Nominating Committee

Nominations for Church Elder and Deacon

The Nominating Committee seeks your help in identifying those among us who might be ready to serve as a Ruling Elder or as a Deacon. We ask each member to prayerfully reflect on whom you believe God is calling to lead us in these two important ministries and to nominate those persons. As you pray, be especially aware of God calling you to serve! Self-nominations are especially encouraged following the long period of time when we haven’t been meeting each other and getting to know each other. The nomination process is fairly simple. If you want to self-nominate and/or nominate another, there is a separate form for Deacon Nominees and Elder Nominees. Each form begins with the Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order requirements for the specific ordained office. We hope this helps each member understand the sought-after qualities of elders and deacons, as well as the responsibilities held by each office. If you are nominating another, you do not need to seek the nominee’s permission to nominate them. Just nominate them and the Nominating Committee will take it from there! Nomination forms are available in the church bulletin, church office and on our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Barbara Weiss, Chair of the Committee at bweiss1952@gmail.com or call 239.331.7668. All nomination forms should be submitted by Sunday, September 5. Instructions on how to submit forms are at the bottom of each nomination form.

First Presbyterian Church of Naples, Florida Nomination Form for the Position of Ruling ELDER: The Ministry of Governance and Discernment

Name of person being nominated: _________________________________________________

Self Nominated ____ Nominated by: _______________________________________(name of nominator)

As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations should elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they “lord it over” the congregation (Matt.20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships. When elected by the congregation, they shall serve faithfully as members of the session. [G-2.03 2019-2021 Book of Order]

Why would you/this nominee be a gifted Ruling Elder? (check all that apply)

___Leadership skill ___Mature Christian faith and capable of spiritual discernment ___Effective and clear communication skills ___Actively participates in our worship life ___Actively involved in other church functions ___Openness and willingness to partner and cooperate with other church leaders ___Knowledge/skills in areas of Christian Education, Congregational Care, Facilities, Finance,

Membership & Communications, Missions, Personnel, and/or Worship & Music

In your own words, please describe why you/your nominee would be a good Elder:

First Sunday of VBS— taking time to give a Father’s Day blessing.

First Presbyterian Church of Naples, Florida Nomination Form for the Position of DEACON: Ministry of Compassion and Service

Name of person being nominated: __________________________________________________

Self Nominated: ____ Nominated by: _______________________________________(name of nominator)

The ministry of a deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures or anyone in distress. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry. [G-2.02 2019-2021 Book of Order]

Why would you/this nominee be a gifted Deacon? (check all that apply)

___Cares for others ___Mature Christian faith ___Can maintain confidences/trustworthy ___Sincere compassion ___Actively involved in worship and other church functions ___Openness and willingness to partner and cooperate with other church leaders in providing ministry ___Willingness to take on assignments and see them through to completion

In your own words, please describe why you/your nominee would be a good Deacon: