Pastoral Search Process
- Status as of August 2006
- Now that Janet has resigned, what happens next?
- What is the job of an Interim Minister?
- How do we find a settled Pastor?
- How is the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ (MACUCC) involved?
- How long does the process usually take?
- Who may serve on the Search Committee?
- How can I be part of the Search Committee?
Search Committee Process Status
The Search Committee has been formed. The committee members are David Bacon, Clara Cenci, Kevin Flynn, Paul Holdin, Robert Howard Sr., Kristi Randall and Vicki Nelson. They Search Committee held its first meeting September 13, working closely with the Transitional Ministry Team and the Timothy Project Team.
The newly formed Search Committee was formally Commissioned during worship Sunday, October 15, 2006.
Now that Janet has resigned, what happens next?
The Rev. Tom Clough, our Area Minister, will meet with the Deacons and help them select an Interim Minister Minister until a settled Pastor is called by the congregation.
What is the job of an Interim Minister?
An Interim Minister helps guide the congregation through the time of transition. Interim Ministers are usually trained specifically for transitional ministry, and they help the congregation move from the former pastoral relationship to a new one. The amount of hours that the Interim Minister works will be negotiated with the Deacons and the Finance Committee. The Interim Minister will not be a candidate for our Settled Pastor, and they sign a contract stating that fact.
How do we find a settled Pastor?
A Pastoral Search Committee is convened by the Church Council. The Search Committee, in consultation with the congregation, puts together the church profile. The profile is our congregational resume which prospective candidates will receive when they apply. Once the church profile is in circulation, the Search Committee begins receiving the profiles of candidates. The Search Committee then interviews the potential candidates and listens to them preach. The Search Committee selects the best candidate to recommend to the congregation and the candidate comes to preach one Sunday. After the service the congregation votes on whether or not to accept the Search Committee's candidate.
How is the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ (MACUCC) involved?
The Rev. Tom Clough, our Area Minister, works closely with the Search Committee throughout the process. The Area Minister may set up mock interviews for the Search Committee to help them, and will also offer guidance on the appropriate compensation to offer. The Area Minister might also approach settled pastors and suggest they send their profile to our Search Committee.
How long does the process usually take?
There are no hard and fast rules on this, but a search usually takes about a year to eighteen months.
Who may serve on the Search Committee?
While anyone may serve on the Search Committee, it is important that the members be representative of the congregation. It is very important that the Search Committee should include people new to the church as well as people who have been here for awhile. Otherwise, it should be as much of a mix as possible.
How can I be part of the Search Committee?
At the present time (January, 2006) our first priority is to move forward with the Interim selection process. In the next few months we will actively shift focus to the process of forming a Search Commmittee. At that time additional information will be provided on this FAQ page. If you are interested in this important ministry, please continue to check this page periodically for updated information.
