Succession Team Informatonal Update #5: CALL PROCESS

Following is a summary of the process we will use to call a pastor as a permanent replacement for Pastor Jim. There is no specific timeline attached to this process because the Call Team will need time and flexibility to carefully and thoroughly carry out their responsibilities, and we need to allow room for the Holy Spirit to be present in the process. Please pray for the Lord’s blessing and caring guidance during
this time. Your Pastoral Succession Team: Rick James, Pastor Frank, Chris Holloway, Jim Stukel, Gary
Draeger & John Rodgers.

Preparation

1. A Call Team is appointed by the Council after reviewing potential candidates suggested by thePastoral Succession Team and the congregation.
   
2. Call Team meets with Lead Pastor and Pastoral Succession Team to be briefed on the process and their responsibilities.
   
3. Call Team spends perhaps 30 days assessing and affirming Ascension’s mission and vision before moving forward. They will generate a summary report on their conclusions, which will becommunicated to the congregation.
   
4. Call Team hosts congregational information sessions for the purpose of communicating the process and soliciting input.
   
5. Call Team meets with Synod staff.
   
6. Call Team creates job requirements and desired traits for candidates to help with screening and selection of the best candidates.
   

Search

1. Call Team receives names from Synod and other sources.
2. Call Team reviews resumes and discusses credentials.
   
3. Call Team identifies viable candidates and conducts screening interviews.
   
4. Call Team identifies finalists and invites them to Ascension where they are interviewed in person by the Call Team, Lead Pastor and perhaps a group made up of Council members and other church staff.

Recommendation

1. Call Team discusses their impressions, including input from the Lead Pastor and a representative from the other group.
2. Call Team selects and recommends a candidate to Council.
   
3. Council receives recommendation and votes to recommend candidate to the congregation.
   
4. Council sets congregational meeting to vote for candidate.

Vote

1. Council President works with Mutual Ministry to develop Pastor’s financial package.
2. Council/Call Team may schedule a meet and greet with recommended Pastor.
   
3. Congregational vote. Approval for call requires 2/3 majority of those present.
4. 
   

Decision

1. Pastoral call/financial package signed and sent to Synod office.
2. Synod mails call papers and package papers to called pastor.
   
3. Pastor responds within three (3) weeks.

Installation

1. Interim associate pastor announces leaving before new pastor arrives.
2. Farewell for interim associate pastor.
   
3. Installation date set with congregation and Bishop’s office.
   
4. Pastor installed.