Search Process for Temporary Pastors & Associate Pastors
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Search Process for Temporary Pastors & Associate Pastors
*Some steps may not be applicable in certain situations. Please consult your COM liaison.
- Pastor announces departure to Session with COM liaison or Branch Minister present.
- Congregational meeting called and moderated by someone other than current pastor.
- Pastoral relationship is dissolved, or pastoral contract ended; COM conducts exit interview.
- Presbytery approves dissolution or affirms contract completion.
- Congregation plans Farewell.
- COM appoints moderator; Session consults with COM about process for electing Temporary Pastor Nominating Committee (TPNC).
- COM orients Session to TPNC process, Session appoints TPNC.
- TPNC begins meeting, with initial orientation by COM liaison and Branch Minister.
- TPNC prepares Job Description, in consultation with Branch Minister.
- Session and COM Liaison or Branch Minister approve job description.
- Job Description posted for at least one month on Presbytery website.
- TPNC begins to receive Personal Information Forms (PIFs).
- TPNC screens candidates and conducts reference checks.
- TPNC submits short list for executive checks by appropriate Branch Minister.
- TPNC interviews finalists and hears them preach, COM clears finalists, after which TPNC selects its choice.
- TPNC extends call; negotiates terms of call with candidate; conducts criminal and FBI checks.
- TPNC offers the position and negotiates contract with its chosen candidate.
- Effective date Temporary Pastor begins ministry set, in consultation with COM.
- Presbytery approves contract.
- Presbytery conducts Ordination Service if candidate is not yet ordained.
- Six-month review with COM liaison and/or Branch Minister.