Care for Congregations Pod
The pod will work with congregations to maintain a healthy environment between congregants, leadership and with other congregations.
Additional responsibilities outlined in the bylaws:
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To aid in securing session moderators, assisting churches with pastoral leadership, working with other Pod Chairs when conflicts arise between a congregation and their pastoral leader, and providing mediation for congregations.
Additional responsibilities outlined in the policies:
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Oversee the process by which a congregation seeking a ruling elder commissioned as pastor gets matched with a suitable candidate (P-100.01).
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Work with the parties in developing a written local commission (P-100.01).
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Will be conducted annual reviews on Commissioned Lay Pastors (P-100.01).
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Will provide guidance in establishing a Pastor Nominating Committee and work with that Committee (P-100.03).
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Certify Ruling Elders to serve communion in their home congregation which is without a minister of the Word and Sacrement (P-100.08).
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Provide resources on closing a church (P-200.02).
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Will aid in the formation of larger parish when called apond (P-200.04)
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Oversee Policy for Churches with a Manse (P-200.06).
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Provide Affirmative Action Equal Employment Opportunity form (P-300.02).
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Shall be the reporting channel of either positive or negative results on background checks (P-500.03).
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Immediately begin work with the session and congregation to provide appropriate replacement services if administrative leave is deemed appropriate because of report of suspected sexual misconduct (P-500.03).
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Be in consultation with Pastoral Response Team of what support and services can be offered to a congregation (P-500.03).
Resources and handbooks:
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Care for Congregations Handbook (coming soon).
. . . more to come soon.
Care for Congregations Pod Members:
Leanne Simmons, Pod Leader
Care for Congregations Pod Leader is to lead this group to maintain and foster a healthy environment in Northern Plains congregations.
pastorleanne@fpcbismarck.com
Cathy Bishop, Conflict Mediator Task Leader
Conflict Mediator Task Leader deploys or organizes deployment when mediation is needed, most notably between a congregation/session and pastoral leadership will have a position in this pod with full voice and vote.
pastorcathie@cpcwf.org
Paul Lang, Session Moderator Task Leader
Session Moderator Task Leader serves as a liaison between the Care for Congregations Pod and the PNP Moderator as session moderators are appointed and will have a position in this pod with full voice and vote
plang@firstpresbfargo.org
Andrew Thostenson, Vacancy Counselor Task Leader
Vacancy Counselor Task Leader appoints and oversees all the vacancy counselors as they work with congregations/PNCs while they are without pastoral leadership and will have a position in this pod with full voice and vote.
andrew.thostenson@ndsu.edu
Gracia Fulwiler, Wellness Care Visit Task Leader
Wellness Care Visit Task Leader oversees the Wellness Care Visits which is a means to become more supportive of the individual congregations and will have a position in this pod with full voice and vote.
graciaclaire@hotmail.com