GROVER FALLS, OH — Cornerstone Baptist Church’s annual nominating committee unveiled its proposed leadership slate Sunday, confirming that all seven open positions would once again be filled by the same four volunteers who have served in rotating roles since 1997.

The committee, which spent six weeks in prayer and discernment, presented the names of Gerald Hutchins, 71, Norma Keyes, 68, Phil Arsenault, 63, and Sandra Weatherby, 66, to the congregation in what members described as “a formality at this point.” Hutchins is listed for deacon chair, a role he has held, vacated, and reclaimed four separate times.

“We cast a wide net,” said nominating committee chair Diane Ostroff, 59. “We really did. We asked around. But when you need someone who’s reliable, you know who shows up.” She paused. “It’s always Gerald.”

“We technically have 340 members on the rolls. The nominating committee is aware of this.” — Diane Ostroff, nominating committee chair

Phil Arsenault, who served as hospitality chair, then budget committee member, then hospitality chair again, confirmed he had once again been “approached” about returning. “I told them I’d pray about it,” he said. “And then Norma called three more times.”

Younger members of the congregation, defined at Cornerstone as anyone under 55, confirmed they had not been asked. Several said they were “open to it.” This information did not reach the committee in time for the vote.

At press time, Gerald Hutchins had agreed to serve “just one more year” for the ninth consecutive time.