What does it mean to be a stated clerk?

My answer might surprise some folks who view the position as only a taker of minutes or keeper of records.

I serve the Presbytery of Arkansas as stated clerk. From my perspective, while the keeping of records and documents of a governing body is the responsibility of the clerk, as mandated in our Book of Order, this role has a greater dimension. It seems best defined by the prophet Micah’s text, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

Justice is an obvious goal of the Rules of Discipline in our Book of Order. However, references to justice permeate our entire Constitution and define our life together as a church. Stated clerks act as resource persons for our judicial process, which seeks justice, reconciliation, and redemption. In addition, justice guides our mission and ministry as a church, our worship (Book of Order, W-1.4002), and the observation of our Sacraments (W-2.3003). It is the sense of justice that shapes our polity and our understanding of parliamentary procedure whereby the majority shall prevail while the rights of the minority shall be protected. A stated clerk keeps this sense of justice before the body through interpretations and advice on the Book of Order, as well as offering counsel regarding actions by a governing body.

While “love kindness” is not the most common trait listed in a job description, it is crucial to the stated clerk’s leadership in a governing body. Whenever our Constitution is used as a bludgeon to make a point or exert control, it is a distortion of the spirit of our polity. The stated clerk is to be familiar with the Constitution in order to facilitate a governing body’s work, so that the mission of the church may be shaped in the manner particular to Presbyterians. Yes, there are times when it would be nice to “hire” a good preacher, “fire” a lousy one, and ordain a talented seminary student without going through the lengthy and often belabored process of candidacy. Yet, we hold to these and the other provisions in the Book of Order because we know they provide the means for us to discern the Spirit in our decision-making. Interpreting and reminding the governing body of these provisions, and doing so in a manner that reflects the stated clerk’s love of kindness, helps to promote the grace and order of our polity.

To “walk humbly with your God” is the requirement of every believer for a disciplined and intentional spiritual life. Not all members of a governing body would characterize their stated clerk as “humble,” but this is not the requirement. The Scripture calls us all to “walk humbly with your God,” to recognize the presence of God in everything we do, and to seek God’s guidance in our ministry together. A devotional life of Scripture reading and prayer equips the clerk for walking humbly with God and with the disciples of Jesus Christ, whom we are called to serve.

What does it mean to be a stated clerk? It means to be one of the mandated officers that guides a governing body in its mission, which is a sobering responsibility. In answering this call, we seek always to live out Micah’s admonition.