PNC Update: A Busy Summer!
As summer winds down, those of us on the Pastor Nominating Committee are hearing more often, “So, how is the search going?” Here is an update!
You may recall that one of the PNC’s first tasks was to complete a Ministry Discernment Profile to be posted on the PCUSA’s Church Leadership Connection website. The MDP described our church for prospective candidates for our lead pastor position. In completing this form, we relied heavily on what you said were important qualities for this person during pulse-taking sessions in December: strong, engaging preaching; a skilled leader and manager; someone who navigates change well; a warm, approachable person with strong listening skills; and a person who is passionate about spiritual formation and social justice.
The CLC website identifies individuals who may be interested in open positions through computer match and self-referral. Additionally, we contacted more than 20 Presbyterian ministers from all across the country, including those within our congregation, to inquire if they knew of anyone who might be a good fit for our church.”
To date, the PNC has received and reviewed more than 100 potential candidates. Meeting almost every Tuesday since February, we’ve used three teams to consider qualifications and listen to online sermons. We have conducted Zoom interviews and in-person conversations with the most promising candidates and discussed what we’ve learned with one another at length.
We on the PNC appreciate your interest in the search and your prayers for discernment in this work. We look forward to sharing more with you in the future.
Martha Nelson and Barbara Johnson,
PNC co-chairs