Pastoral Search Process

A Pastoral Search Committee (PSC) has a singular task: to prayerfully discern, identify and recommend a candidate to the congregation for approval.  Ultimately, the PSC must establish a process by which both the potential pastoral candidate and the congregation can discern whether God is calling them to partner for ministry.  Here are seven distinct phases to the call process that the committee will undertake:

  • Pastoral Search Committee (PSC) Organization Phase

    As of Feb. 22, we have met three times. We met with Karen Palmberg, Associate Superintendent from the Central Conference on Feb. 8.

  • Information Gathering Phase

    We are continuing to develop a survey to gather information about our congregation to create the NECC profile, which will be posted for potential candidates.

  • Contact Phase

    The PSC will review information about potential pastoral candidates; prioritize candidates; and contact possible candidates for phone or video interviews. For each potential candidate, the PSC and candidate will be prayerfully asking, “Is God calling us together?”

  • Candidating Phase

    The PSC will invite one candidate to NECC for a weekend. The candidate will meet with various groups and participate in the Sunday service. NECC and the candidate will continue to prayerfully discern God’s will.

  • Call Phase

    At the conclusion of the weekend there will be a congregational meeting. The Executive Board will share the terms of call with the congregation. Pastoral candidate and NECC answer, “Is God calling us together?”

  • Commitment Phase

    NECC and pastor say “yes” to the call.

  • Ministry Phase

    Pastor is installed at NECC, and NECC pastoral relations team begins regular meetings with pastor.

Praying for the Pastoral Search Committee

  1. Focus your prayers on the daily topic listed in this guide. Meditate on the day’s biblical passages and let the Holy Spirit speak to you through them.

  2. Pray through this guide until God unmistakably provides NECC with the pastor He has chosen to lead His people.

  3. Continue to pray for the members of the Pastoral Search Committee (PSC).

  • Darrell Dwyer, co-chair

  • Alice Salzman, co-chair

  • Magi McVey, secretary

  • Nate Alberty

  • Nithya Augusthy

  • Patti Fey

  • Shirley Gustafson

  • Caleb Hamilton

  • Hannah Karsner

  • Doug Milford

  • Steve Offutt

  • Bob Diller, ex-officio