Search and Call Process Overview

Secure pulpit coverage or supply preacher or bridge pastor for transition time. Association Registrars have pulpit supply lists.

□       Form a Search or Transition Committee.

□       Meet with the local Associate Conference Minister, (ACM) or Seach and Call Associate (SCA) to learn the scope of the search and call process and discern if an Intentional Interim pastor is needed.

□       Secure Intentional Interim Pastor or bridge pastor if needed.

□       Be introduced to the Congregational Welcoming Diversity Inventory via PowerPoint.

□       Complete the Congregational Welcoming Diversity Inventory.

□       Meet with Rev. Gary Ferner and other team members to discuss the results.

□       Begin work on the Local Church Profile through the Local Church Profile Portal.

□       Discern a general budget for the next pastor, using the  UCCNY Conference Guidelines.

□       Have Local Church Profile validated by the local ACM.

□       Post Local Church Profile.

□       Interview prospective candidates.

□       Narrow choices down to 2 or 3.

□       Invite one or two candidates to preach in a neutral pulpit if necessary (with so many pastors having sermons online, you may not need this step).

□       Pick a final candidate to preach a candidating sermon.

□       Prepare a Call Agreement. (Sample Call Agreement available via the ACM.) Ensure that your chosen candidate agrees with the call agreement, and will sign it after the vote.

□       Have a congregational vote on candidate.

□       Have your called pastor sign the Call Agreement.

□       Welcome your new pastor!

□       Connect with your Association leadership, the Committee on Ministry, and your local ACM regarding a date for your new pastor’s installation. Set a date where leadership and COM reps and ACM can all attend.

□       Install your new pastor!