Section 5.01 Standing Committees. Four Standing Committees of the
Conference: Pastoral Leadership, Peace and Justice, Congregational
Nurture, and Evangelism and Missions shall be chaired by a member of
the Board. The Church Schools Representative shall be a member of the
Board. There shall also be a Nominating Committee and a Finance
Committee. Each Standing Committee shall have three members in addition
to the chairperson, except as specified below. Members of the Standing
Committees are elected by the Delegate Body for three year terms at the
annual meeting, appointments of additional members and vacancies shall
be filled by the Board. Members of Standing Committees shall be active
members of Member Churches at all times during the course of their
terms. Standing Committees shall be elected by the delegates to
staggered terms so that approximately one-third of the members of each
committee are elected each year. Members of Standing Committees may
serve no more than three full consecutive terms. Committee members
shall serve without compensation, the Conference may reimburse them for
actual expenses incurred in performing their duties.
Section 5.02 Pastoral Leadership Committee. The Pastoral Leadership
Committee shall be available to churches and pastors offering Spiritual
guidance and counsel to congregational leaders and credentialed pastors
in whatever ways may serve the best interests of all concerned. The
Committee shall cooperate with the corresponding organizations of the
Mennonite Church and with other area conferences in their efforts to
provide such assistance to congregations. The Committee shall counsel
with congregations seeking pastoral leadership and with pastors seeking
to serve congregations. The Committee shall relate to all persons
credentialed for ministry by the Committee. In cooperation with
congregations the Committee shall examine candidates for ministry,
particularly in pastoral, chaplaincy, missionary service, and special
ministries. The Committee shall, in its discretion and on behalf of the
conference, grant credentials for ministry. These credentials are of
two types:
a. Licensing-licenses for ministry are granted to persons who are
testing their call to ministry. Licenses are for a maximum of two
years, and may be renewed at the discretion of the Committee.
b. Ordination-recognition by the Conference and a congregation of a
person's lifetime call to ministry. Ordination is permanent unless
revoked by the Committee.
The Committee shall assist in ordinations, licensings, and in services
marking the beginning of a person's ministry in a congregation. The
Committee shall provide opportunity to pastors, and others credentialed
for ministry, for personal growth and professional improvement. The
Committee shall, on behalf of the Conference, manage issues of the
discipline of persons credentialed for ministry, including revocation
or non-renewal of licenses and ordinations.
Section 5.03 Peace and Justice Committee. The Peace and Justice
Committee shall encourage the study and practice of the biblical
teachings of love and nonresistance in the congregations of the
Conference and assist them in the application of this teaching,
particularly as it applies to social issues. The Committee shall
cooperate with the corresponding organizations of the Mennonite Church,
Mennonite Central Committee, and with other area conferences in efforts
and programs witnessing to the belief in the way of love in human
relationships.
Section 5.04 Congregational Nurture Committee. The Congregational
nurture Committee shall assist the congregations of the Conference in
their programs of Christian Education, age specific ministries,
worship, and family ministries. The Committee shall cooperate with the
corresponding organizations of the Mennonite Church, Mennonite Central
Committee, and with other area conferences in their efforts to provide
such assistance to congregations.
Section 5.05 Evangelism and Missions Committee. The Evangelism and
Missions Committee shall promote vision and support the work of the
congregations of the Conference to fulfill Jesus' commission to the
church to make disciples of all people by its witness to the gospel of
God's Kingdom. The Committee will accomplish this mission by providing
resources, guidance, and encouragement for congregational outreach,
church planting, and participation in mission and service. The
Committee shall have nine members plus the chairperson, all elected by
the delegates. The Committee shall cooperate with the corresponding
organizations of the Mennonite Church, Mennonite Central Committee, and
with other area conferences in their efforts to provide such assistance
to congregations.
Section 5.06 Church Schools Representative. The Church Schools
Representative promotes church-school education among the congregations
of the Conference and seeks to maintain strong dependability and
accountability between schools and the Conference. The Representative
shall serve on the Western Mennonite School Board. The delegates shall
elect persons to the Western Mennonite School Board. The number of
persons elected or appointed by the Board and terms are defined by the
Western Mennonite School Bylaws. The Representative shall cooperate
with the corresponding organizations of the Mennonite Church, church
schools, and with other area conferences in the effort to provide such
assistance to congregations.
Section 5.07 Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall match
the gifts of persons with the responsibilities of the various
positions. The Committee shall oversee the nominating process according
to the guidelines established by the Board of Directors.
Section 5.08 Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall give
counsel to the Treasurer and Board regarding all finances of the
Conference.
Section 5.09 Other Committees. The Board may appoint such other committees, as it deems necessary from time to time.
