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FIVE COMMITMENTS FOR SEARCH COMMITTEES

A Faith Commitment . . . The task of the Search Committee is very simple
and very complex. Initially the task is spiritual. Search Committee members
make a faith commitment to develop as faith-centered, prayer-directed
people of God willing to listen to God in the process of seeking a new pastor.
Search Committee members engage in a 4-Way Covenant—a Covenant with
their prospective pastor, the congregation, the Conference and Association,
and the Holy Spirit.

A Time Commitment . . .Search Committee members make a time
commitment By the time the search process is completed (from first
organizational meeting to the calling of a new pastor) the committee may
have been working together for as little as 9 months or as long as 18-24
months. Initially most Search Committees meet weekly. Once committees
begin considering pastoral profiles and scheduling interviews, the frequency
of meetings increases. At times the Search Committee must travel to hear
prospective pastors preach. All in all, it is a significant time commitment.

A Commitment to Confidentiality . . .Search Committee members make a
commitment to confidentiality. Members must not talk about the content of
their work. That is to say, the sharing of names of individuals under
consideration is a serious breach of process. Even to speak in generalities
about location or experience or gender can risk folk guessing who the
committee is considering. The congregation must be kept informed at every
step of the process. Sharing where the Search Committee is in the process is
critical. However, until a final candidate is presented, all conversation about
any candidates is closely guarded.

A Commitment to Openness . . .Search Committees make a commitment
to genuine consideration of all candidates. The commitment involves
understanding that the gifts, skills, and experience of candidates are primary
in determining their ability to serve the congregation.

A Commitment to Consensus . . .Finally, Search Committee members
make a commitment to consensus. Members need to be of one mind in
recommending their prospective pastor to the congregation. Any unreadiness
on the part of any member of the Search Committee can and often does spell
disaster down the road. Everyone must be able, with a clear and positive
conscience, to support and endorse the individual presented before the
congregation.