|
Dear Christophers,
While the Search Committee enters a quiet and confidential period, we would like to provide a review of the Rector Search Process along with answers to Frequently Asked Questions to help keep you informed. We invite you to join us in prayer, patience, and unity as we discern God’s call for our next Rector.
Your Rector Search Committee,
Co-Chairs Mari Abbate and Michelle Wilber, and Committee Members Joey Bishop, Anne French, Laura Grimm, Jim Hall, Brian Johnson, Tom Knox, Jo Matthews, Addie Quina, Alea Williams, and Martha Williams
_______________
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question: What is going on with the Rector Search?
Answer: The Search Committee is busy preparing for upcoming candidate interviews. We are refining questions and utilizing information from the Parish Profile.
Question: Why does it take so long to get a new Rector?
Answer: The process for calling a new rector is one of mutual discernment, involving the congregation, the Vestry, the Search Committee, and the candidates. The Search Committee has followed the process outlined in the Search Process Model developed by the The Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. This important time must be carried out prayerfully and with great care. It requires a significant commitment of time, energy and resources.
Question: What is involved in the search process?
Answer: The process began last February after Mother Susan announced that she would retire in October and Bishop Russell Kendrick and Rev. Ashley Freeman, Canon to the Ordinary and Missioner for Discernment, Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast were notified.
The responsibilities of the Vestry during the search process are to:
• Select the Search Committee Chairperson(s).
• The Wardens partner with the Committee Chairs to select Search Committee members.
• Receive the candidate recommendation from the Search Committee.
• Vote on the candidate recommendation.
• Forward the candidate recommendation to the Bishop for final approval.
The responsibilities of the Search Committee are to:
• Coordinate the parish survey and hold small group discussions with the congregation.
• Prepare the Parish Profile.
• Provide regular updates to the Vestry and congregation.
• Receive applications and interview candidates.
• Provide one candidate recommendation to the Vestry.
• The Vestry invited members of our congregation to submit their names as candidates for a Search Committee. As is customary at St. Christopher’s, there was tremendous support and many names were submitted.
• In accordance with the Search Process Model, the Search Committee contracted with “Holy Cow! Consulting” to conduct a congregational self assessment. This provided a better understanding of our parish and helped us fully appreciate our priorities and the qualities needed in our next Rector. Holy Cow Consulting has a well-established national reputation and has been used previously at St. Christophers during a Rector Search.
• Upon completion of the survey and analysis of the results, the Search Committee met with members of each ministry and other small groups to gather specific information about desired qualities in our next Rector and the future needs of our church.
• The Search Committee then prepared the Parish Profile, reflecting the results of the survey and small group discussions. The Parish Profile is a comprehensive document that describes who we are and serves as a resource for clergy who may feel called to become our next Rector.
• Our vacancy announcement was posted on several websites and social media platforms, including the Episcopal News Service. The announcement closed on January 20th. Several members of our church also suggested names of potential candidates over the past few months. Each name was forwarded to the Rev. Ashely Freeman, who then contacted each individual to inquire whether they felt called to apply.
Question: Does the Bishop review the candidates before giving the information to the Search Committee?
Answer: Yes. Each candidate’s information is reviewed by the Bishop’s office before it is received by the Search Committee. The Rev. Ashley Freeman will withhold an applicant’s name only in cases involving a Title IV offense, as defined by The Episcopal Church's Canons.
Question: Will you be able to provide details on the candidates you are interviewing?
Answer: No. The interview and selection process is highly confidential. Once we begin reviewing potential candidates, the Search Committee will enter a quiet period. From that point forward, we will be unable to discuss the candidates or the interview process.
Question: Does the Search Committee actually select the next Rector?
Answer: No, the Search Committee reviews written information, conducts at least two Zoom interviews with each candidate, gathers as much information as possible, makes in-person visits with the top one or two candidates, and prayerfully discerns and recommends one candidate to the Vestry. The Vestry then votes on the candidate recommendation and, if approved, forwards it to the Bishop for final approval.
Question: Why should we put so much faith in the Search Committee?
Answer: The Vestry approved the members of the Search Committee. Its members are a diverse group that closely reflect the demographics of our church, are actively involved in church life, and are able to work collaboratively. The Search Committee is intentionally mindful of the congregation’s needs and desires as expressed through the survey, small-group meetings, and the questions you have asked.
Question: Will the congregation be apprised of the selection before an employment contract is entered into?
Answer: No. This information can only be shared with the congregation after the candidate has accepted the call, signed the contract, and communicated their departure from their current church.
Question: Will the selected individual be invited to meet the congregation beforehand?
Answer: No. Once a contract is signed, however, the new Rector may choose to visit the congregation in advance, depending on personal circumstances, location, and other factors.
Question: How can I help the Search Committee?
Answer: Please continue to keep the Search Committee and applicants in your prayers. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide our discernment and feel free to keep asking us questions— which we will answer whenever we can.
| 
