First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Guntersville Pastor Nominating Committee…

Guntersville’s 1st Presbyterian Church Pastor Nominating Committee is made up of five individuals who were called to undertake the process of selecting the next pastor/head of staff for Guntersville 1^st Church. They are Russell Fulton (Chairman), Mary Rutland (Co-Chair), Mary Lou Griffith (Secretary), W.S. Adams, and David Edwards.

Current Update...

While the text below explains the Pastor Search Process from start to finish, the PNC will use this space to provide regular updates on its progress.

As of August 28, 2010 the PNC meetings began with guidance from John Bush from the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM). John serves as the liaison between our church and the Presbytery as we search for a new pastor. He is there to answer any questions we may have during the whole process.

We are currently at step 5 of the 7 step process. Our first step was organization. We are now developing or creating our Church Information Form (CIF) which includes a detailed description of our church’s congregation and programs. We are gathering and summarizing information to complete the form.

Your PNC thanks you for your support and we ask that you keep the PNC in your prayers.

The Process of Calling a Pastor...

Being without a pastor can be a stressful time in the life of a congregation, yet it is natural and normal to undergo this transition from time to time. The question most PNCs hear from parishioners is, “What’s taking so long?” There is much work to be done between the time one pastor’s call is dissolved and a new pastor is approved. The following seven steps, and the accompanying chart, define the process and the timeline involved in calling a new pastor.

1. ORGANIZE

A Pastor Nominating Committee is recommended by the Nominating Committee, approved by the Session and voted upon by the Congregation at a Congregational Meeting. The committee members are elected, the PNC meetings begin, with guidance from the presbytery’s Committee on Ministry.

2. CREATE

The PNC develops the Church Information Form (CIF), which includes a detailed description of our congregation and its ministries.

3. SEARCH

The CIF is then posted on the PC(USA)’s Church Leadership Connection website. This website helps match Personal Information Forms (PIFs) from prospective pastors, to the information on our CIF. The PNC is given the PIFs that match our required skills and experience. The PNC also seeks and follows up on referrals and recommendations from a variety of channels.

4. EVALUATE

When matches arrive from PC(USA), the PNC informs pastors they have been matched to our CIF. Some pastors then visit our CIF and ask us to remove them from consideration while others write us to let us know they are interested in being considered for our call. Pastors who self-refer are also acknowledged. All pastors are invited to explore our website to learn more about the church, the Guntersville area and Alabama. The PNC reviews each PIF received, as well as church websites and other materials from and about the candidates. When the PNC determines that a pastor is not a good fit for Guntersville First, they immediately inform that person that they are not being considered for Guntersville’s call. When the PNC finds a candidate that everyone on the PNC agrees may be a fit, that candidate is contacted and asked to send sermons for the PNC to view. The PNC also begins their background and reference checks.

5. SELECT

The top candidates are selected for telephone interviews. The PNC conducts the phone interviews, visits top candidates at a neutral site to hear them preach, and follows up on references. This part of the process requires much prayer, discussion, and consultation with COM (Committee on Ministry). Ultimately, a call is extended to one candidate.

6. NOMINATE

Pending acceptance of the call the PNC reports to the Session and the congregation on the chosen candidate. If approved by the congregation and the Presbytery, the new pastor will then begin ministry in Guntersville.

7. REJOICE

The PNC, along with the entire congregation, welcomes the new pastor, gives thanks to God, and celebrates the beginning of a new season in church life!

06/10/11