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How long does a Senior
Pastor Search take?
The search process for a senior pastor typically takes a year or more. The last time we had a senior pastor
vacancy (1988), it took just over two years (Larry Finch resigned in December, 1988 and Ben Cross
started in
January, 1991.)
What is the general overview
of the search process?
The search process is rooted in prayer and consists of clearly identifying
who we are as a church so that we can precisely define what we are
looking for in our next senior pastor. The process involves
creating a Church Profile and a Senior Pastor Profile. The Church
Profile allows a potential candidate to discover Grace Community Church
and determine his interest in seeking the Senior Pastor position here.
The Senior Pastor Profile describes the characteristics that are
required of the man we are looking for and provides objective criteria
for us to determine the suitability of a candidate.
The search process is double sided.
Not only will we be evaluating candidates for Senior Pastor, but the
candidate will also be evaluating Grace Community Church to determine if
God is calling him here.
Most of this work is carried out by a Search
Team that is appointed by the Elders. Once the profiles are created, a
list of potential candidates is developed. These candidates are
interviewed and screened. A final candidate is recommended to the
Elder Board, who then present the candidate to the congregation.
Ultimately, the candidate must be affirmed by 90% of the members of GCC.
What are some of the
specific steps of the search process?
The search process consists,
in part, of the following steps:
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Forming prayer support
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Select the Search Team from the
membership of GCC
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Train and equip the Search Team
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Survey the congregation, staff and
elders
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Create the Church Profile
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Create the Senior Pastor Profile
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Create the Senior Pastor Candidate
application package
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Develop a list of potential Senior
Pastor candidates
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Screen the candidates and select those
who will be interviewed
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Interview selected candidates, review
credentials and check references
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Visit selected candidates at their place
of ministry
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Select and recommend a final candidate
to the Elder Board
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Elder Board reviews the recommendation
and arranges for the candidate to come to GCC
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The candidate is presented to the
congregation (meetings, preaching, etc.)
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The membership of GCC votes to accept
the candidate (90% required)
Are there already candidates
being considered?
We
have not yet entered the candidate application phase. When the church
profile and pastor profile are completed, we will distribute them to
seminaries and other sources of pastoral candidates around the country
and call for qualified candidates to send their resumes and
information. At that time, the congregation will be welcome to offer
the names of individuals for consideration.
Also, potential candidates
will be brought to our attention through other sources. Each of these
men will be considered when we are ready to begin the screening and
interviewing process.
What is an interim pastor
and is GCC going to have one?
An interim pastor is a man who takes on the
role of the Senior Pastor until a permanent Senior Pastor is hired.
The interim pastor generally would preach and provide leadership for the
staff and congregation. This is a temporary role and the GCC
Bylaws prohibit an interim pastor from becoming the permanent Senior
Pastor. As of May 11, the Elders have instructed the Pastor Search
Team to begin looking for an interim pastor.
Who should I contact if I
still have questions?
You can contact any of the Search Team
members, Pastors or Elders for further information..
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