Who should consider using this approach to calling a minister?
If you're wondering if there is a great-fit pastor out there for your church, Searching for the Called is for you.
If you're concerned that your search team doesn't have the search process or resources to locate that great-fit pastor, Searching for the Called is for you.
If you're eager to tune in more deeply to the Holy Spirit's movements in your search process, Searching for the Called is for you.
If you're hoping to make the search process as hospitable as possible toward all the parties involved, Searching for the Called is for you.
Note that Searching for the Called aims to be easily customizable, because no congregation is exactly like another. If you belong to a denomination that recommends a particular search process, this approach is not meant to replace it but to layer over it. If, however, you are starting your search from scratch, this approach should offer ample structure to guide your work. The materials are written with solo/senior pastor searches in mind, but they can be tweaked for any ministerial search.
Is your church ready for Searching for the Called?
Searching for the Called is best suited for congregations that resonate with the statements below:
There is high trust and good communication among the congregation and its leaders.
While eager to call a new minister, the congregation and its leaders are ready to take the time needed to search well.
The congregation and its leaders understand the search as a spiritual process, one in which God is at work and through which people can grow in relationship with God and one another.
The congregation and its leaders are willing to be curious about what God is up to, to wrestle with hard questions about the church’s past, present, and future, and to be open to the unexpected.
The congregation and its leaders want to encourage all candidates they encounter and bless the larger church through the search process.
The congregation and its leaders view the pastor-parish relationship as one of mutual ministry and care.
The judicatory affirms all of the above and supports the congregation in utilizing Searching for the Called.
Note that the term “congregational leaders” includes the search team (once formed) as well as such standing decision-making bodies as deacons, elders, vestry, session, board, council, etc.