PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE

updated August 26, 2026

Last month the search committee welcomed a candidate and their spouse for an in-person interview. The conversations took place over a period of three days and included a dinner on Lake Michigan, a tour of Sheboygan, lunch at a committee member’s home, a tour of the church and more direct conversation with the entire committee, dinner at a committee member’s home and a goodbye breakfast. There were opportunities for committee members to have one-on-one and smaller group time with the candidate as well as times when the committee met with them together as a whole. 

After the conclusion of the visit, the committee agreed to recommend the candidate to council and council unanimously approved. A call letter was drafted and a sick leave policy was created. One had not been deemed necessary in the past due to all employees being part-time. This process took some time and effort from council and staff.

After being provided with the call letter which detailed the pay and benefits package, employee handbook and more requested information about FCC. The candidate was given several weeks to discern whether they should continue with the process of becoming our next settled minister. An answer has been provided. 

Natasha Torry will discuss the outcome and next steps during the August 30th service.

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updated July 22, 2026
As was mentioned during the June 28, 2026, Pastoral Search Committee update, we have invited a candidate to Sheboygan for an in-person interview. This phase of the process is still confidential. This will essentially be the committee’s third meeting with the pastor and is meant to serve as a time of mutual discernment for both them and the committee. The candidate is traveling to Sheboygan along with their spouse. 

The committee has put a multi-day itinerary together including a tour of Sheboygan, home cooked meals hosted by committee members, a dinner out and time for conversation at the church. After the visit has concluded we will be reaching out to the candidate with our final thoughts and answer any questions they may still have. 

This is a very important time in the search process. The committee has dedicated much intention and energy into the planning in hopes to make the candidate feel welcome and show them what we love about our city and our church. As always, your prayers are appreciated. I will be updating the membership in early August with the results of the visit and our next steps.

Please feel free to reach out to the church office if you would like to communicate with the committee. Natasha Torry will be available to answer any questions during coffee hour on July 26, and August 2, 2026.

 

update from February 11, 2026
The FCC Sheboygan profile was completed and went live for candidates to see on February 11, 2026. See the profile here. We are following the UCC Conference suggested search process:

1. Review candidate submitted profiles.

2. Hold initial Zoom interview with desirable candidates.

3. Discern together after initial interviews.

4. Conduct a follow-up Zoom interview with desirable candidates to further discern their fit.

5. Discern after follow-up interviews and check references.

6. Come to consensus on candidate for in-person interview.

7. Conduct in-person interview, tour of community, tour of church, and initial compensation conversation. This step is still confidential.

8. If mutual discernment indicates this is not a good fit, continue search.

9. If mutual discernment indicates this is a good fit, negotiate terms of the call.

10. Invite final candidate to a candidating weekend where the congregation: meets the candidate at one or multiple events, experiences worship led by the candidate, and those members in attendance vote.

11. Prepare for the candidating weekend.

12. Hold the candidating weekend.

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Any questions or concerns may be directed to the office and will be forwarded to the appropriate committee member.