Original Wording

Article VII Section 1.8 Terms

Non-staff elders who serve on the elder board are appointed to serve a term of three years with a maximum of two terms in a row. After two terms, non-staff elders must have at least one year off prior to eligibility for another term. The length of service should be so arranged that no more than a third of the elder board shall expire each year. Staff elders serve for an indefinite period of time at the discretion of the elder board.

Suggested Change

1.8 Terms

Non-staff elders commit to serve for three consecutive years at a time. Non-staff elders serving either on the elder board or in another capacity must participate in a regular ministry review resulting in an annual report to the elder board. At the end of three years, the elder board will affirm a non-staff elder for another 3-year term.

As employees, staff elders serve for an indefinite period of time. Each staff elder participates in an annual performance review.