Pastor Nominating Committee
PCCH’s Pastor Nominating Committee, representative of the whole congregation and elected by the congregation, convened in October, 2023 with the purpose of discerning God’s purpose in calling the right candidate to lead our congregation forward with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love. The PNC meets weekly and will continue work with all due deliberation and discernment until the right candidate is found, seeking to hear the call of Christ and “to participate in God’s own choice” for our next pastor.
The Pastor Search Process
PCCH’s Pastor Nominating Committee
Listen
To the congregation and prepare the Mission Study, and elect the Pastor Nominating Committee.
Prepare
The Ministry Discernment Profile for approval by our Session and by the Presbytery’s Commission on Ministry, and develop a process for identifying and evaluating candidates.
Search
By reviewing Candidates’ Personal Discernment Profiles, listening to their sermons and published materials, checking references, and conducting a series of interviews to determine whether there is a mutual fit between the Candidate and PCCH.
Nominate
A candidate to be our next Senior Pastor and Head of Staff, and present them to the Commission on Ministry, and then to our Congregation for approval.
Support
The new Senior Pastor and Head of Staff by warmly welcoming them and integrating them into the life of our church.
How can you help?
- Identify potential candidates for the PNC
- Review updates from the PNC
- Ask questions, understanding that the process is confidential
- Pray for the PNC
- Be patient as God’s will makes itself known to us
Current Process Status Update – May 15, 2024
When we last communicated, the PNC was in the process of scheduling visits with three candidates. We also reminded our community that this is a process of mutual discernment, and we will not rush toward a compromise. After talking at length with references, visiting home churches, and spending time with three candidates, we will not be calling any of the three as our next Pastor.
We understand this news may be disappointing. However, the PNC wants to reiterate that we are committed to getting this right and that this is the Holy Spirit at work. The process of discernment takes time. While the PNC wants to be in control, ultimately, this is God’s decision.
The PNC has received valuable counsel from Craig Barnes and the Commission on Ministry about next steps and has been in close communication with the staff and the Personnel Committee.
We are confident that with continued prayer and discernment, a unanimous and enthusiastic decision regarding our new church leadership will emerge. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support as we continue this important search.
In the meantime, the Personnel Committee continues to work to ensure that we have strong pastoral leadership during this transitional time. Russell has committed to serve as our bridge pastor through the summer and into the beginning of the church calendar year. We are also working with him and the Commission on Ministry to identify additional support as needed and expect to provide further information to you shortly.
