Add the unanimous consent rule and you have chaos. Failing to be discreet and to maintain total secrecy during the search process. A search committee should be elected by the congregation, not chosen by the session. Their composition and size may vary considerably from congregation to congregation. Depending upon the size of the church, the best working number seems to be from nine to eleven people recognized for their spiritual maturity and discernment, in addition to holding key responsibilities.
Larger committees are possible but can easily be unwieldy.
The importance of prayer should be stressed regularly to the congregation, as well as to the search committee. We tried not to approach our job with presuppositions about who we should call, but to be willing to let the Lord lead and open the doors. As we did, God's leading was quite obvious as His choice was confirmed in our hearts. Some search committees begin each meeting with a fifteen-minute Bible study led by a pastor. Search Committee Chairman Bill Seibert at 1000-member Old Cutler Presbyterian Church in Miami feels the Bible emphasis was very effective.