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Search Committee
We ask that all interested FCC members prayerfully consider the following
Five Commitments for a Search Committee prior to nominating themselves
by filling out the form below:
THE FIVE COMMITMENTS
FAITH COMMITMENT
The task of the Search Committee is very simple and very
complex. Initially the task is spiritual. Search Committee members make a faith commitment to develop as faith-centered, prayer-directed people of God willing to listen
to God in the process of seeking a new pastor. Search Committee members engage in a Four-Way Covenant: a covenant with their prospective pastor, the congregation, the Conference and the Holy Spirit.
TIME COMMITMENT
Search Committee members make a time commitment. By the time the search process is completed (from first organizational meeting to the calling of a new pastor) the committee may have been working together for as little as 9 months or as long as 18-24 months. Initially most Search Committees meet weekly. Once committees begin considering pastoral profiles and scheduling interviews, the frequency of meetings increases. At times the Search Committee must travel to hear prospective pastors preach. All in all, it is a significant time commitment.
COMMITMENT TO CONFIDENTIALITY
Search Committee members make a commitment to
confidentiality. Members must not talk about the content of their work. That is to say, the sharing of names of individuals under consideration is a serious breach of process. Even to speak in generalities about location or experience or gender can risk folk guessing who the committee is considering. The congregation must be kept informed at every step of the process. Sharing where the Search Committee is in the process is critical. However, until a final candidate is presented, all conversation about any candidates is closely guarded.
COMMITMENT TO OPENNESS
Search Committees make a commitment to genuine
consideration of all candidates. The commitment involves understanding that the gifts, skills, and experience of candidates are primary in determining their ability to serve the congregation.
COMMITMENT TO CONSENSUS
Finally, Search Committee members make a commitment to consensus. Members need to be of one mind in recommending their prospective pastor to the congregation. Any unreadiness on the part of any member of
the Search Committee can and often does spell disaster down the road. Everyone must be able, with a clear and positive conscience, to support and endorse the individual presented before the congregation.
Thank you for your interest.
The Church Council will review all of the responses and create a slate of Search Committee nominees to bring to the congregation at the end of September.
The Church Council will strive for diversity: gender, age, tenure in the church, ministries involved, and demographic representation (racial, cultural, economic, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.) and will try to include a youth member, and ensure all are full members of the congregation.
FCC staff are ineligible to serve on the Search Committee.