Frequently asked questions concerning the search for a new senior pastor.
What steps will the Pastoral Search Team follow in searching for a new senior pastor?
We will follow the seven procedural steps set forth in Loren B. Mead’s A Change of Pastors. Briefly, these steps are:
1. Concluding Mary Hulst’s ministry at Calvary. (Completed)
2. Finding direction by beginning a time of transition with Bruce Greer as interim senior minister, approving a Pastoral Search Team, focusing on Calvary’s history and celebrating its 125th anniversary. (Completed)
3. Self study by focusing on who Calvary is and where the congregation is by gathering data through Connecting Point Dinners, a congregational survey, Calvary Café sessions and by obtaining demographic information. This data will be used to complete a Church Profile. A church information packet will also be developed.
4. Search for the “right” person by calling for pastor profiles, gathering information about potential candidates, identifying selection criteria, reviewing profiles, checking references, holding interviews and evaluating candidates.
5. Deciding on a new senior pastor by hosting a visit(s), discussing expectations, presenting the candidate to the Council of Ministries and the congregation, and notifying the chosen person.
6. Installation of the new senior pastor.
7. Beginning to build a new ministry with the congregation and the community.
Mead identifies five tasks that we will continually work on as we proceed through the seven steps. The tasks are coming to terms with Calvary’s history, discovering a new identity and a new sense of mission for Calvary, allowing for needed leadership changes, rediscovering our linkages to our denomination, and making a commitment between the congregation and the new senior pastor to new directions in ministry.
How long will this search process take?
It is estimated that the process could take from 12 to 18 months, but we cannot be certain.
Why will the process take so long?
To find the “right” person, we must follow the process. Following the process takes time.
What demographics will be studied at step 3?
We will look at the demographics of the Calvary congregation and of the south metro Denver area.
Didn’t we fully study demographics during the Appreciative Inquiry process a couple of years ago?
Yes, but the demographic data could have changed, and we do not want to miss any trends or rely on outdated data.
What opportunities will I have to give my input?
You will have three opportunities to give your input during Self Study through 1) conversations at the Connecting Point Dinners in March, 2) completing the Pastoral Search Inventory in late April, and 3) conversations at the Calvary Café sessions in May.
How will the Pastoral Search Team share the information gathered in the Self Study?
The Pastoral Search Team will share information gathered in the Self Study with the congregation at adult forums July 22 and Aug. 19, and via a letter mailed in August.
How will the Pastoral Search Team keep me informed?
You will receive information through regular bulletin inserts and Messenger articles. Also, check the bulletin board near the visitor kiosk and this Web site as these will be updated regularly. Additionally, there will be information provided occasionally during Sunday morning worship and at adult summer forums.
Will Bruce apply to be senior pastor?
No. He has assured us that he will not be applying. In addition, it is widely accepted practice that an interim senior minister cannot be a candidate for senior pastor.
Once the Pastoral Search Team starts looking at candidates, will you tell the congregation who you are considering?
No. Although we will let the congregation know we are considering candidates, we must maintain strict confidentiality concerning all specific candidates.
Will everything stay the same at Calvary?
No one can be certain about that, but it is likely that there will be changes. The transition process is an important opportunity for reflection and renewal. It is a time of discovering how to do what we have to do. It is a transforming process. |
