On September 27, 2009 Rockland Congregational Church unanimously and joyfully voted to call the Rev. Seth Jones to be its new pastor. Rev. Jones will begin his pastoral duties in late November.

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The search process for a new pastor for Rockland Congregational Church is almost over!  Here is an outline of the pastoral selection process which we have followed. ¹

 

STAGE ONE: STARTING RIGHT

    Make early contact with the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) Pastoral Relations Office.

    Secure interim leadership.

    Elect a Pulpit Committee.

STAGE TWO: PULPIT COMMITTEE BEGINS ITS WORK

   Organize the Pulpit Committee and choose a chairman.

   Provide an adequate budget for the committee.

   Report to the Congregation.

   Research Church identity and vision for the future.

   Complete the NACCC’s Church Information Form (CIF).

   Prepare for interviews.

   Maintain confidentiality for all pastors that apply.

STAGE THREE: FROM PAPER TO PEOPLE

•   Receive candidate applications.

•   Review criteria for leadership.

•   Narrow candidate list to a contact group.

•   Communicate with the contact group.

•   Elicit additional information.

•   Select candidates to interview.

•   Interview candidates and observe worship leadership.

•   Check references carefully.

STAGE FOUR: CALLING A PASTOR

•   Choose one candidate.

•   Negotiate the pastor-church agreement.

•   Inform the Congregation.

•   Present the candidate and the Congregational vote.

STAGE FIVE: BUILDING A PARTNERSHIP

•   Welcome of Pastor and family.

•   Celebrate Service of Installation.

•   Express thanks and dismiss Pulpit Committee.

¹Thanks for use of material generated by Rev. Don Olson (NACCC) and by Westchester Congregational Church Search Committee.