Pastors and Meeting Secretaries
To coordinate and to expand the pastoral and other Christian work both within and without the meeting, some meetings have found it helpful to have the services of a pastor or meeting secretary.
Pastors are usually expected to serve the meeting in the public ministry in its meeting for worship. They should always give consideration to the value of silent worship and the freedom of expression which is characteristic of vital group worship. A meeting secretary may be primarily a coordinator and expediter of meeting work. Both pastors and meeting secretaries are considered as co-workers with the members of the meeting, and one of their major contributions may well be developing and encouraging leadership and the assumption of responsibility by the members.
The services of a pastor or meeting secretary should provide inspiration for all members to cultivate and expand their Christian service.
Ministry and Counsel should have direct oversight of the work of pastors, meeting secretaries, and volunteers doing special pastoral work. At the discretion of monthly meetings, pastors and meeting secretaries may be asked to maintain a cooperative relationship with some or all of the committees of the meeting or with ecumenical bodies.
If a meeting feels it necessary to call one who is not a member of the Society of Friends to serve as its pastor or secretary, Ministry and Counsel will have a special obligation to oversee the work and to offer guidance in the ways of Friends.