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A Manual for Churches Seeking Pastors

This manual is designed to be a resource to be given to churches seeking a new pastor by their presbytery Committee on Ministry as they work together as partners in the process of discerning God's call to the church and to its new leader. The manual is not to supercede any policies or procedures of the presbytery Committee on Ministry.

"Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." (Genesis 12:1-2)

As you journey from one phase of your congregation’s life to another, may you know the power of God’s presence each step of the way. When you find that person whom God has prepared to be your new leader, may you be a blessing in your ministry together.

Table of Contents - Please click on the topic below to go to that section.

Part I. Introduction to Calling a Pastor

1. Theological Foundations of a Pastoral Call Process
   1. What Is "Call?"
   2. Who Is Called?
   3. Election is a PNC Is a Sacred Trust
   4. References for Committee Bible Study
2. Participants in Your Search
   1. Presbytery's Role in the Pastor Search Process
   2. Presbytery Committee on Ministry
3. Who Does What? Responsibilities During a Pastoral Vacancy
   1. The Session
   2. The Moderator of Session
   3. The Interim Pastor
   4. The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC)
   5. The Presbytery Committee on Ministry (COM)
   6. Church Leadership Connection (CLC)

Part II. Congregational Transition: From Exit to Installation

1. Stages of Your Transition
   1. Dissolving the Pastoral Relationship
   2. Planning Your Transition
   3. Engaging the Congregation in a Mission Study
   4. Assessing Your Finances
   5. Electing a Pastor Nominating Committee
   6. Getting Organized
      • Selecting Officers
      • Planning Communication and Resources
      • Scheduling PNC Meetings
   7. Writing and Submitting the Church Information Form
      • Writing the Position Description
      • Completing and Submitting the CIF
   8. Collecting and Screening Personal Information Forms
      • Communicating with Prospective Pastors
      • Contacting References
      • Discussing Your CIF
      • Updating Candidates
   9. Interviewing Potential Pastors
      • Visiting Churches
      • Preparing for Interviews
      • Interview Questions You Might Ask
      • Conducting the Interview
      • After the Interview
      • If You Get Stalled
   10. Choosing the Nominee
       • Extending the Call
       • Negotiating the Terms of Call
       • "Pastoral Call Form" — A Sample
   11. Making the Official Decisions
       • When the Nominee Accepts or Declines the Call
       • Presenting the Selected Pastor the Congregation
       • Finishing Your Work
       • Presenting the Pastor-Elect to Presbytery
   12. Installing the Pastor
   13. Following Up with Support After Installation

"PNC Report to Session" — A Poem

On Calling a Pastor —

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