PSC Update - Nov. 2009

Update from the Pastoral Search Committee (PSC)

In the past month, the PSC has met twice.  We have finalized and adopted a Search and Call Covenant, which will guide us in our work as we move forward.  We have closely reviewed Hope’s Local Church Profile and identified those qualities and characteristics our community most desires in a called pastor. And we have agreed on the process and procedures we will use to review and evaluate profiles as we begin the work of prayerfully discerning whom God is calling to be our next pastor.

Since placing our ad in UCC Employment Opportunities in September, we have received 14 Ministerial Profiles (resumes) from interested candidates.  Each of these candidates has already undergone a criminal background check by the Central Atlantic Conference in accordance with UCC Search and Call process.  Reviewing profiles and discerning who to interview is not a process to be rushed; we expect it will take two to three months.  During that time we will also be developing a list of interview questions and listening to sermon tapes.  We hope to begin scheduling telephone interviews with candidates in whom we have a serious interest sometime in February.

We continue to be grateful for Sid’s outstanding interim leadership.  Trusting that God will guide both our candidates and the members of our Pastoral Search Committee, we ask you to pray for us regularly as we search for a new pastor for Hope.

If you have questions or would like a copy of the church profile, contact Kathy Doxsee at pastoralsearch@hopeucc.org, PSC Chair.

November 18, 2009