QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERIM SEARCH COMMITTEE
…FROM THE CONGREGATION.

1.   How long do we expect to have an Interim minister?
The best information we have about interim periods for churches of this size and long pastorates, churches with our profile is 12 months to two years.  There are not as many people out there as you might expect, we have pretty definite ideas of what gifts and talents we might need, timing is an issue when we are in negotiations and there needs to be long enough in the Interim period for us to do some process work for the future and then of course the search for a permanent minister takes care and time.

2.  How long will it take to get an Interim?
We have been working for 9 weeks (meeting every week) now and are currently looking at profiles, but two candidates were already in final stages with other churches, we have decided not to pursue at least two other candidates, we are visiting and talking to others and are still receiving names from our Regional Minister.  Before we looked at profiles, we did a congregational profile, did a job description, had interviews with Stan and Olivia, had the Regional Minister orient us to the process, addressed the Leadership board, wrote a letter to the congregation, did the congregational profile, decided on a salary range and there is an article every week in the Thursday email.

3. How do you perceive the interaction between our Associate Minister and the Interim?
Both staff members have their own job descriptions and they will need to work out their relationship as any staff members would have to after a change. We have a Personnel Committee, Pastoral Relations committee, many skilled and committed church members.  There are a lot of variables in any new arrangement and hopefully we are all working towards a continuing goal of “being Church.” We can all participate in this time by being as kind as we can be, patient, supportive and participating in the work that needs to be done.

Our prayers and sensitivity are needed.  Please stop by the display to talk to a committee member on any Sunday with questions and comments.

- The Interim Minister Search Committee