When a church is faced with a change in pastoral leadership, it can be a confusing and unsettling time. Often, Congregational churches give the difficult task of a pastoral search to eight to twelve members. It can take 12-18 months to complete the process.
GETTING STARTED
The first order of business for a newly formed search committee is to review the document "Searching for a Minister: A Church Overview and Guide to Best Practices." This will acquaint the group with the process as well as resources and services available to member churches of the NACCC.
INTENTIONAL TRANSITIONAL MINISTRY
One of the first tasks of any church facing a pastoral vacancy is finding interim leadership. A list of clergy who are either certified or have equivalent experience is available
by contacting Susan Carson at the NACCC office.
PASTORATES AND PULPITS
A list of churches with pastoral vacancies is available on the website and is published in THE CONGREGATIONALIST magazine. In order to have your church listed in Pastorates and Pulpits, the search committee must complete a Church Information Form (CIF). A completed CIF is an excellent way to introduce your church to seeking ministers. Please contact Susan Carson to begin the process.
Occasionally, Pastorates and Pulpits will include churches that are not members of the NACCC. If you are a non member church and would like to pursue that option, please contact Susan Carson for more information.
THE MINISTER INFORMATION FORM (MIF)
NACCC clergy complete the Minister Information Form (MIF) online. If a minister is interested in being considered for an open position, he/she will submit the MIF via email to the search committee.
NACCC DISCLOSURE PROTOCOL AND POLICY
After conferring with the Division for Ministry, the Executive Committee of the NACCC approved a new Disclosure Protocol and Policy for all NACCC clergy as well as non NACCC clergy who may be seeking a call from a member church, wish to update their Minister Information Forms, or update ecclesiastical endorsement. This policy is now in place. Please read this policy carefully, as it will be of great help to you, particularly when you have determined the top candidates for your pastoral vacancy.
NACCC Disclosure Protocol and Policy
Summary for Churches
INTERVIEWS AT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND CONFERENCE
A Pastoral Search and Interview Room is available each year at the Annual Meeting and Conference. This is an excellent opportunity for representatives of search committees to meet with prospective candidates in attendance. Please refer to the Annual Meeting Program Booklet for the location of the room and any special instructions.
SEARCH COMMITTEE RESOURCES
Handbook for Pastoral Search Committees
Finding a New Pastor-Beginning the Search
Finding a New Pastor-Search Committee Homework
Finding a New Pastor-The Interview Process
From Call to Settlement
Sample Church Information Form (CIF)
Potential Questions for Pastoral Candidate Interview
Model for Intentional Transitional Minister Covenant-Contract
Congregational Questionnaire
Sample Sermon Evaluation Forms
Success and the New Pastor
Congregation Confronts a Changing Ministry
Nine Things to Know to Conduct a Successful Minister Search
Step Aside
Revolving Clergy Harms Religion
ASSISTANCE
Remember: Help is a phone call (800.262.1620 ext. 18) or email away. Susan Carson is on hand to assist search committees through the process. If you need pastoral
search assistance from the NACCC Executive Staff, you may contact the Executive Secretary Rev. Dr. Tom Richard or the Associate Executive Secretary Rev. John Carson.
A personal visit from the executive staff may also be arranged.