The Presbytery of Scioto Valley Search Process for Pastors & Associate Pastors
link to: Mission Study Approved 9.7.18
Pastoral Search Process
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church is in the process of searching for a new pastor. The following is an explanation of the steps involved in the pastoral search process. As we move forward the various committees and Session will keep the congregation informed of where we are in the process.
Step 1: Mission Study Task Force is formed and organized from members of the congregation. Task Force elects a clerk/recording secretary.
Step 2: Presbytery of Scioto Valley appoints liaison from its Committee on Congregational Life (CCL) to provide procedures for conducting the Mission Study.
Step 3: Mission Study Task Force begins Mission Study under guidance of Interim Pastor. Mission Study will involve congregation and all organizations within the church. Mission study will take place over a period of six to eight months (more or less).
Step 4: Mission Study is submitted to Session for review and approval.
Step 5: Once Session approves the Mission Study, it is submitted to the Presbytery of Scioto Valley (CCL)/Congregational Care Commission for review along with a request to form Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC).
Step 6: Nominating Committee will solicit names of members interested in serving on the PNC.
Step 7: PNC is elected by the congregation at a congregational meeting.
Step 8: PNC organizes, elects chair and clerk/recording secretary.
Step 9: Presbytery of Scioto Valley appoints liaison from CCL. Liaison meets with PNC and reviews procedures for calling a pastor.
Step 10: PNC reviews Mission Study results and creates Ministry Information Form (MIF), which is basically a resume of the church.
Step 11: PNC submits all parts of MIF for review by Session. Personnel and Finance make sure that all information (salary, etc.) is within budget and organizational guidelines.
Step 12: PNC submits final form of MIF to Presbytery of Scioto Valley for approval to begin receiving Personal Information Forms (PIF) from ministers seeking a call.
Step 13: PNC publishes the MIF on National Opportunity List that is located on the denominational website. PNC may also advertise the position in Presbyterian magazines and websites.
Step 14: PNC receives and reviews PIFs. Denomination also matches St. Andrew’s MIF with PIFs in the national database and refers certain PIFs to search committee for consideration. Ministers seeking a call can also do self-referrals to the search committee.
Step 15: St. Andrew will receive likely receive around 100 PIFs. Each PIF will be reviewed and prioritized for suitability.
Step 16: PNC will narrow down PIFs to certain number (like 5 – 10) and perform phone or Skype interviews.
Step 17: From phone interviews, top 5 (more or less) will be selected.
Step 18: PNC will do face-to-face interviews with top candidates, including hearing them preach (usually at a neutral site) and bringing them to church for tour and intensive interview.
Step 19: If call is agreed upon, all numbers and details of call will be submitted to Session for approval – Session does not approved candidate, just the negotiated call.
Step 20: Candidate and call will be submitted to CCL for approval. Candidate will be examined by CCL and approved for transfer of membership to Presbytery.
Step 21: Session will call Congregational Meeting to approve new minister. Candidates will preach at POP, then wait for results of vote. St. Andrew will present name and details of negotiated call to congregation. Congregation will vote for approval/disapproval.
Step 22: If congregation approves call, new minister will be approved to begin work at church. Official installation will be scheduled for later date convenient to the new minister. Interim pastor is released from contract.
Step 23: New minister is installed.
Step 24: Church is happy!
