By Richard Hearne
As part of the new strategic plan that the North Texas Conference passed at the 2010 Annual Conference, the conference lay leader (that would be me) is the chair of the Nominations Committee.
The Nominations Booklet listed all the committees with openings for clergy and laity, the Disciple paragraphs that apply, the duties of the committee, the number of times the committee meets each year and the location of meetings. NTC clergy and laity were urged to research which committees fit their interests and gifts and graces, then submit a profile sheet (clergy to their district superintendent and laity to their pastor).
Sharyn Yetman of the Center of Missional Outreach did a very professional job of putting the profile sheets in binders and created a comprehensive summary sheet for the committee.
Linda Parks, the NTC lay leader-elect, did most of the work on the nominations process and booklet. She will chair the Nominations Committee in the next quadrennium. So far, the Nominations Committee has devoted two days to our work, along with many hours of individual work.
Although at this writing, our work is not yet complete, it is in the final stages. The results will be presented at the district meetings before Annual Conference. This has been one of the hardest tasks I have undertaken in my 20-plus years of service to the Annual Conference.
Trying to match people’s interests with their qualifications and getting the diversity that we desire is complicated. Our committee is to be commended for its efforts to follow its charge to select the most qualified people. (Individuals who have been selected will be notified next month.)
Don’t think that I found this nominations process to be a negative experience. I have been overwhelmed by the number of qualified persons who have volunteered to serve the NTC. It is a reality that the best people to serve are those who are the busiest serving the local church as either clergy or laity. The NTC is so blessed that so many felt the call to serve.
I think our Annual Conference is in good hands in the coming year based on the work done by the Nominations Committee. And I would ask one favor of Annual Conference members: Before you complain about the nominations, consider the good will and work of the committee. We may not be perfect, but we certainly strived to be fair and impartial. So thanks to all who have been involved – the committee, volunteers and conference staff.
When you see a member of the Nominations Committee, be sure to tell that person how much you appreciate their efforts. I am thankful for each one’s service and commitment – how about you?
Richard Hearne is Lay Leader of the North Texas Conference, which stretches from just this side of Bogata to just that side of Burkburnett. E-mail him at rbhearne@sbcglobal.net.
