Church Leadership
Pastor Nominating Committee and Process

By Rev. Brad Calhoun, Interim Pastor
 

A. THE PREPARATION PHASE

1. The chair of Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM) selects a representative of COM who will act as a liaison between SMCC and the COM whose task is to help guide the formal process to completion.

2. The session calls a congregational meeting for the purpose of electing the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC). The Officer Nominating Committee of the church nominates to the congregation one or two representatives from session and other church groups for the Pastor Nominating Committee, composed of active church members representing all age, ethnic, and gender groups. The congregation elects the PNC. The PNC elects their own Chairperson, and a plan is developed to keep the session and congregation informed of the their progress.

3. The Mission Study: The PNC (or a specially assigned Task Force appointed by the session) conducts a mission study with support from the COM. The Mission Study precedes the preparation of a Church Information Form (CIF) which is used by the denomination to assist in subsequent search work. It includes a statement of the mission of the church, with goals and objectives for the next three to five years. When completed, the Mission Study and the CIF are reviewed and approved by the session, and signed by the clerk of session. The Mission Study and CIF are reviewed and approved by Presbytery’s COM. NOTE: San Gabriel Presbytery is considering approval of SMCC’s 2002 “Revisioning Our Mission” Strategic Plan to fulfill this requirement.



B. THE SEARCH PHASE

(Note: Because of the professional ramifications of candidates, the PNC process with potential candidates is conducted with them on a strictly confidential basis.)

1. Receiving Personal Information Forms (PIF’s) of potential candidates: PIF's will start arriving approximately three weeks after Presbytery’s approval. The COM representative provides training for the PNC in reading and evaluating PIF’s. The PNC establishes procedures for securing and reporting Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AAEEO) data and statistics. The presbytery requires reports. The PNC studies and evaluates candidates as reflected in the PIF’s, rating each candidate using criteria based on the Church Information Form.

2. Compiling a Semi-Final List of Candidates: Evaluating all information on the remaining candidates, the PNC narrows the list to the top 5 to 7 candidates. Exploratory visits between remaining candidates and members of the PNC are arranged. These are informal and without obligation to either party. If possible, arrangements are made with the candidates for visits to their churches. The remaining references are checked. The COM representative arranges for a full background check by Presbytery’s Executive Presbyter.



C. THE SELECTION PHASE

1. Compiling a Final List of Candidates: Candidates receive clearance by COM, and are invited to preach in a neutral pulpit. The PNC has face-to-face interviews with leading candidates (usually three). The COM interviews these candidates. The PNC selects their nominee, and ranks the remaining candidates in order of preference. The PNC negotiates the terms of call with the nominee and secures the approval of the session for the terms of call. The PNC meets with the COM to secure concurrence with their nominee and the terms of call (including housing arrangements, if any). The PNC notifies the session of the concurrence of the COM.

2. The Session calls a congregational meeting to act on the nomination, and the terms of call.

We are called as a church family to boldly dedicate this process to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Your prayers for our church, Session, PNC, staff, Presbytery representatives, and potential candidates are very important.