Calling Process for Rectors of Parishes Diocese of Alabama 2003

Jeremiah 29:11 “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

DEPLOYMENT IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH Open PositionSearch Comm. Established Parish ProfileSearch Request BISHOP and DEPLOYMENT OFFICER and CONSULTANT (BEGIN) CDO Computer Names Gathered Search Comm. Recommends PAT Vestry Votes Call (END)

Summary of Vestry Actions Search Process Budget set by vestry Issues call to Interim Rector Enters into an agreement with a Search Consultant Approval of Search Committee membership Approval of Compensation Package for new rector Approval of Parish Profile Acts on recommendation of Search Committee and votes to Call after interviewing the one candidate.

The following slides contain information drawn from the Calling Process Policies of the Diocese of Alabama

Three Approaches to the Calling Process 12 to 15 Months: This is the normal approach followed by most parishes. 6 Months: Some parishes may wish to move more quickly through the Calling Process. Less than 6 months: In some cases, is may be appropriate for the bishop to submit three names directly to the vestry.

TEN CRITICAL STEPS IN THE CALLING PROCESS Lets look at the critical steps leading to the completion of the Calling process………….

Ten Critical Steps STEP ONE… Initiating Events The Calling Process begins with the announcement of resignation or retirement. Don’t forget to celebrate ministry completed. STEP TWO… Interim Time Review Calling Process and Interim Policies. Secure the services of an Interim Rector. Contract with a Calling Consultant.

Ten Critical Steps STEP THREE Review of Entire Process… Everyone involved -- Vestry, Search Committee, Interim Priest, Calling Consultant and Deployment Officer meet together STEP FOUR Writing a Parish Profile and CDO Parish Search Request… (following slides provide some detail)

PARISH PROFILE Who are we as a Parish? What is our community like? What are we looking for in our new Rector?

How do we develop a Parish Profile? Gather Data and information –Parish Survey –“Town Meetings” (Focus Groups) –Community Resources –Information from the diocese

How do we develop a Parish Profile? Interpret & Compile Data Review by vestry and bishop –Parish Brochure (Approved by vestry) –Video? – CD to send to candidates?

PARISH SEARCH REQUEST This form initiates a national or regional search for a new rector through the CDO office in New York City. It defines compensation level as well as ministry priorities for a new rector. It defines parish goals for the next few years.

Ten Critical Steps STEP FIVE Receiving names of potential candidates Initial Screening (following slides provides some details)

Names of Potential Candidates NEED FOR CONFIDENTIALITY Balance between: Open Communication Confidentiality

Candidates Names: Sources: * From members of the Parish * From the Bishop * From the Vestry or Search Committee * From the CDO Computer Search * From other clergy of the diocese

Ten Critical Steps STEP SIX Initial Screening by the Search Committee (following slides provides some details)

SCREENING Initial mailing to all candidates  Copy of Parish Profile  Invitation to consider position  Request for resume & references  Possible questions (optional)  Request for a timely response

SCREENING (continued) Responses Received  Review questions & resumes  Contact references  Notification of those no longer under consideration

Ten Critical Steps STEP SEVEN Final Screen- ing as list is reduced to 4 to 6 candidates. STEP EIGHT Reduce list of names from 4 or 6 to 1 name to be presented to the vestry. (following slides provides some details)

SCREENING (continued) Possible Screening Tools  Phone Interviews  Background checks  Review Sermon Tapes  Visit to the Parish of candidates  Weekday visit to your parish

SCREENING continued MORE ABOUT BACKGROUND CHECKS: The diocese will initiate Background checks on the final 4 to 6 candidates through Oxford Management Co. These background checks deal with sexual conduct and credit. This is part of the cost of calling a priest to a parish. A Search Committee or Vestry should also make contact with leadership from previous parishes as part of screening at the parish level.

SCREENING (continued) Visit to the Parish  Informal social gathering with Vestry & Search Committee  Formal Interview with Search Committee  Tour of the parish facilities  Tour of the Community and Real Estate possibilities  Meeting with the bishop

Ten Critical Steps STEP NINE Interviewing by vestry and vestry vote.

CALL Search Committee recommends one name Vestry Vote (Majority vote required) Contact Bishop for consent Vestry Extends Call Letter of Agreement signed

Ten Critical Steps STEP TEN Candidate Accepts the call. Alleluia !!!!

CALL (continued) STARTUP OF A NEW PASTORATE  Moving Arrangements  Setting agreed upon date for arrival  Family inclusion in the parish and the community  Celebration of New Ministry  Participation in Fresh Start program  Mutual Ministry Review after about 9 months

A word about FRESH START was established by the Episcopal Church, through the Office for Ministry Develop- ment, the Church Deployment Office and Cornerstone. FRESH START is a program offered to all clergy in transition (new clergy to the diocese, newly ordained and clergy of the diocese beginning a new ministry) during their first year in every new ministry. FRESH START is a one year program for the purpose of strengthening relationships through prayer, open conversation and critical reflection.

Summary of Vestry Actions Search Process Budget set by vestry Issues call to Interim Rector Enters into an agreement with a Search Consultant Approval of Search Committee membership Approval of Compensation Package for new rector Approval of Parish Profile Acts on recommendation of Search Committee and votes to Call after interviewing the one candidate

Other Matters Undergirding of Prayer Sub-committees of Search Committee: Spiritual Emphasis (Chaplain?) Development of Parish Profile Development of questions for candidates Brochure and possible Video or CD Hospitality for visiting candidates/spouses

Other Matters continued Frequency of regular Meetings Regular use of Calling Consultant Regular communication with the Parish OPEN PROCESS & CONFIDENTIALITY Don’t forget to initiate a Mutual Ministry Review after about nine months following the call of the new rector.

A PRAYER FOR A CALLING PROCESS “Almighty God, giver of every good gift, look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, page 818)

THANK YOU Produced by the Diocese of Alabama 2003 Bishop Henry Parsley, Jr., Bishop of Alabama and The Rev. William King, Diocesan Deployment Officer