What is the first step a church must take in calling a pastor?

Calling a pastor begins with the church convening a congregational meeting. This step is vital because it serves as the platform for the congregation to discuss their needs, expectations, and desires regarding pastoral leadership. The meeting allows church members to be involved in the process, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose as they seek to identify a suitable candidate.

During this meeting, congregants can also address questions and express concerns, ensuring that the process is transparent and that the voice of the community is heard. This foundational meeting typically leads to the establishment of a search committee or similar body responsible for seeking out a potential pastor, making it essential for initiating the call process.

In contrast, electing a new presbytery, determining the church budget, or selecting a bishop are actions that do not directly pertain to the initial step of calling a pastor. These activities may be relevant in different contexts or scenarios within church governance but do not specifically kickstart the process of finding and calling a new pastoral leader.