Congregational Assessment

Sometime ago, the Committee on Ministry began to re-evaluate how we support congregations during pastoral transitions, often referred to as the interim period. This is a critical period when congregations are most open to change and transformation. The committee was concerned that, for some churches, this period had stretched from months to two- and three years or more.    There was also the concern that mission studies prepared by churches seeking new leadership had no input from the next minister and, therefore, did not become a part of that minister’s ministry. As a result the committee approved a different plan which is being further developed this summer and will be offered to these and other churches that are in transition.  

This plan sets a goal of having a church’s Personnel Nominating Committee (PNC) elected and prepared to receive inquiries from potential ministers within seven months of the session’s decision on how it will approach the interim period. In order to accomplish this we will ask interim minister’s to complete a mini-mission study within three months. Meanwhile, a PNC will be elected and encouraged to create its Church Information Form during the next two months.

Once a new minister arrives, the session and minister will have agreed that it will participate in a significant assessment such as New Beginnings, offered by the Presbyterian Church. This assessment will include a range of possible futures (which would also include doing nothing differently) from which to choose. This would occur between nine and fifteen months of the minister’s arrival. During the next six months, the session will work with outside consultants or presbytery staff to develop a plan for ministry that will bring it closer to its preferred future.

 The Committee on Ministry, through its Transition Team, will seek to meet with each session within the first month of the interim’s arrival to develop an individualized plan for each congregation’s pastoral transition. We look forward to a much more robust and effective use of this crucial time in the life of a congregation.