Requirements for Council Members:

FAITH (as is expressed in the Renewal of Baptismal Faith questions in "Celebrate God's Presence: A Book of Services for the United Church of Canada"). Council members will have publicly declared this faith, thus becoming "members" of the congregation.

1. Do you believe in one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
2. Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, will you turn from the forces of evil, and renounce their power?
3. Will you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as Saviour and Lord?
4. Will you join with your brothers and sisters in this congregation to share in the life, work and ministry of Jesus Christ?
• a commitment to a life of daily prayer
• a commitment to proportional giving
• a commitment to weekly worship
• a commitment to grow spiritually (life long-learning)
• a commitment to the ongoing reading/study of the Scriptures
• a commitment to Christian service (caring for the eath and its people

Spiritual Gifts for Council Members:

• Faith (a requirement)
• Prayer
• Wisdom (or Discernment)
• Vision
• Theological Reflection
• Giving
• Leadership

In addition, it is preferred that Council members:

• be "big picture", rather than details people
• be optimistic, joyful, enthusiastic people
• be willing to risk
• have a deep personal integrity (honesty, respect, reliability)
• be mature, calm, nonanxious people
• will have demonstrated good interpersonal relationships with the church membership at large

Council Members will:

• commit to regular attendance at meetings
• commit to accept and promote the majority decision of the Council, even if it is contrary to their personal opinion
• commit to confidentiality

Interview questions:

1. Please describe briefly your faith journey up to this point.
2. What does being a follower of Jesus mean to you?
3. What is the purpose of the church in the world? What challenges do we face because of this purpose?
4. What vision do you have for Gilmore Park United Church in the next ten years (what’s your biggest dream?)