Search Committee Update (11/22/09)
The Search Committee began with a list of about 80 candidates. These were either submitted to us by church members or in some cases, by the candidates themselves. We then did some “farming” whereby we asked for names from some pastors, seminary professors, etc. The list grew to about 100 candidates.
Each committee member spends 4-6 hours per week listening and researching, and then we have a 2 hour meeting to process together. We've listened collectively to about 800 sermons. We aren't stuck, stalled or stymied, just working hard. We are clear about the kind of man we are looking for - not a half a man and not just a preacher. We are looking for a strong preacher/ teacher. We are also seeking someone with multiple gifts and talents – a strong leader and a strong visionary. Someone who loves and relates to our people. Someone who is a fit for our church theologically, based on who we are and have been. We appreciate the extensive feedback and the prayer support we have received from church members. Thank you for attending the Listening Sessions and for your emails, letters and recommendations. We have shared every recommendation with the full committee and have been able to listen to almost every man that has been recommended. We continue to receive recommendations, and we appreciate every one that has been provided. Lastly, we have a joyful spirit on our committee. We have a diversity of perspectives and an openness to share them and to listen to each other. The work is long and hard, but interesting and fun. We feel that we are bathed in your prayers, and we have a great confidence that God is leading us. Please continue to pray and to be patient. Know that we can't share many specifics as it is sensitive, and affects other churches and pastors. Bottom line - it is going great so far!
Ten years ago, we would have had to eliminate many of these candidate by some means other than hearing them - but, because of the Internet, we can experience all of their sermons through podcasts and videos. Also, through their church websites, we can get a sense of their worship, values, missions and theology. So we are doing just that, and it takes time.
