How does CLC work?

The Personal Information Form (PIF)

Presbyterian pastors, Christian educators, administrators, executives and other church professionals seeking a call to service within the Presbyterian Church (USA) fill out a Personal Information Form (PIF).  This form lists the person’s education, work experience, ecclesiastical standing, and any professional memberships and certifications.  It also lists the types of positions the person is interested in serving as well as the size and type of community in which they are willing to serve, along with minimum compensation they will consider.  Skills and interests are listed along with narrative answers to several questions.  Once completed the PIF is submitted to CLC and following approval is posted in the CLC system.

The Church Information Form (CIF)

Presbyterian congregations, presbyteries, synods, educational institutions, and other Presbyterian entities seeking leaders for ministry positions fill out a Church Information Form (CIF).  This form describes the size and make-up of the congregation/entity, the type of community where the ministry is located, the position to be filled and the salary for the position.  Answers to narrative questions describe the ministry and mission of the church/entity in more detail.  Once completed the CIF is submitted to CLC and following approval is posted in the CLC system.

Matching CIFs and PIFs

Once a CIF is posted in the CLC system, matching the CIF with PIFs in CLC can be done.  Matching selects PIFs that fit most closely to a particular CIF in position type, community type, church size, years of experience, salary, and skills.  The list of referred PIFs is sent to the chair of the chair of the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) or search committee for their discernment.  Matching is often done several times.

Self Referral

Persons with PIFs in CLC can also “Self Refer” their PIF to PNCs/Search Committees.  An individual can email or snail-mail their PIF directly to a PNC/Search Committee.  The Opportunity Search program of CLC allows a user to view all CIFs that are currently in CLC or narrow the search to just a few CIFs using specific sorting criteria. Go to the Opportunity Search for more information.

CIFs and PIFs in CLC

CIFs and PIFs are kept in CLC until CLC is notified that a call has been extended and accepted.  PIFs that are in CLC longer than one year must be annually renewed and re-attested.  CLC can also remove CIFs and PIFs when requested by authorized individuals.

Resources

• Minimum Operating System Requirements
  The minimum computer operating system and browser requirements necessary to enter a CIF or PIF with CLC.
  
• Overview of the CIF Procedure
  One-page overview of the procedure for submitting, approving, and receiving matches for positions using a CIF.
  
• Overview of the PIF Procedure
  One-page overview of the procedure for submitting, obtaining attestation of standing, and matching for individuals using a PIF.
  
• Printable Forms
  Downloadable forms to help users of CLC
• Skill List
  A complete list, with definitions, of all the skills to choose from in completing a CIF or PIF.
  
• Cost of Living Comparison Calculator
  Use this calculator to compare the cost of living between U.S. cities.
• Self Referral: Sending and Receiving
  A guide for both individuals and PNC/Search Committees on how self-referral works, plus instructions on how to save a PIF for self-referral.