The Call Process
November 2008

As you may know by now, here at Gloria Dei we are beginning the process of calling a new pastor to our congregation. Rev. Susan Nagle and Andy found it necessary to move back to New Jersey so Andy could be closer to his place of employment after his position changed considerably.

Now we have to begin a search for a new shepherd for this Forestville flock. Here in the New England Synod of the ELCA, there are recommended guidelines to follow in the search for a new pastor. The loss of a pastor for whatever reason is often difficult, and we hope that these guidelines provided by the Synod in a booklet entitled Healthy Transitions will help our transition be as painless as possible.

This first newsletter will explain some highlights of what the process consists of so you can begin thinking about how you can take part. The more people who participate the better the results will be. There are no guarantees that the process will be a quick one, but what we learn along the way will help us all in the long run to see what plans the Holy Spirit may have in store for us.

The first step in the process has already been put in place. We met with our Associate to the Bishop, Rev. Paul Sinnott, to discuss the kind of pastoral coverage we should have during this Interim time. We recognized that we need a full-time, ordained pastor to provide us with worship leadership each week, and visitation to the sick and homebound. We also needed someone who had special interim training and can advise us when called upon. We are fortunate that Rev. Henry Morris was available to come to Gloria Dei right away to keep us moving, together.

We are now beginning the second step in the Interim process. We are beginning the work of compiling a Congregation Profile to be used during the Call process by the Synod and by the candidates when they are made available. This process is critical to our success and it will take some time, and LOTS of opportunities for us all to take part in the process.

On November 9 we met for the first time during Adult Forum for an introduction to the process and find any questions we might have. The attached description of the steps involved was discussed during that hour.

This past Monday on November 17 Pastor Sinnott came back and joined us again to answer any questions or clarify anything that we didn’t quite understand. The Questions and Answers that were generated during that evening will be compiled and published in the next Interim Newsletter.

Over the next several months we will be planning more opportunities to bring all members of the congregation together to talk about who we are as a church family and what kind of pastor we think can best guide us, teach us, and help us grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have regarding the Interim Process with of any member of the Church Council. And, PLEASE, participate in this important chapter in the life of this congregation.

The Three Main Steps in the Interim and Call Process

1. Welcoming our Intentional Interim Pastor (Pastor Henry Morris)

Intentional Interim Pastor:
• An ordained pastor specially trained to assist with transition. The intentional interim is an agreed upon period of time during which the congregation focuses on the goals established at the beginning of the interim. The call process of a settled pastor does not begin until the goals of the interim have been achieved. An intentional interim pastor is not available for call as the settled pastor.

2. Compiling the Mission Profile of the Congregation

Mission Profile Committee:
• Should consist of 5 persons consisting of 2 or 3 members of the council and other qualified members of the congregation.
• Persons who have the time and ability to compile an accurate picture of the congregation.
• This document is what the candidates will read as they decide whether or not to proceed in the call process with the congregation.
• The final report should be submitted to the council for its review and possible revision before the meeting with the associate.
• Upon its receipt at the synod house a date will be set for a meeting with the associate, the council and the call committee.

3. Appointing the Call Committee

Call Committee:
• Should consist of 6 persons, the majority of whom do not currently serve on the congregation council.
• Shall be appointed by the congregation council. Nominations for members of the call committee may be solicited from the congregation but the final selection rests with the council.
• Composition of the call committee should intentionally reflect the make-up of the congregation assuring that all the different categories of age, gender, ethnic group and differing lengths of membership in the congregation are represented.

Considerations in selection of members to the call committee:
• Is this person firmly grounded in a relationship with Jesus Christ and committed to the search process as a prayerful journey under the guidance of the Holy Spirit?
• Does this person have the respect and trust of members of the congregation?
• Is this person able to respect confidentiality?
• Is this person open to future mission possibilities for the congregation and not simply eager to maintain the status quo?
• Is this person able to listen to others’ opinions, and participate in an open and respectful discussion with other members of the committee?
• Is this person a confirmed and communing member of the congregation who attends worship regularly and participates in the life of the community of faith?
• Will this person be able to attend all meetings and interviews and be able to attend worship in another setting to experience the candidate’s worship leadership?