calling process for rectors of parishes

1. Calling Process for Rectors of Parishes Diocese of Alabama 2003

3. DEPLOYMENT IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

9. 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)

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

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

12. 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?

13. 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.

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

16. 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

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

18. 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

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

20. 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)

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

22. 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.

23. 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

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

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

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

27. 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

28. 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.

30. Other Matters

31. Other Matters continued

32. 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)

33. THANK YOU