Transcript CDO_DiscernmentProcess_Geitz

Discernment Process for
Rectors/Vicars Following
Guidelines in Calling
Clergy
by the Rev. Canon Elizabeth Geitz
Diocese of New Jersey
(adapted from the Diocese of Alabama)
Jeremiah 29:11
“For surely I know the
plans I have for you, says
the LORD, plans for your
welfare and not for harm,
to give you a future with
hope.”
DISCERNMENT IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Open Position
(END)
Self-Study &
(BEGIN) Discernment
Com. Named
Narrative Parish
Profile
BISHOP
Call
Extended
and
DEPLOYMENT OFFICER
and
CONSULTANT
Computer
Profile
CDO Computer
Names Gathered
Vestry Votes
Disc. Comm.
Recommends
Summary of Vestry Actions
•Issues call to Interim Rector/Vicar
•Sets Discernment Process Budget
•Enters into covenant with Transition Consultant
•Approves membership of Self-Study &
Discernment Committee(s) with People of Prayer
•Approves Compensation Package
•Approves Parish Profile
• Acts on recommendation of Discernment
Committee and votes to Call after interviewing the
candidate(s).
Ten Critical Steps
 STEP ONE
The process begins with the announcement of
resignation or retirement. Be sure to celebrate the
ministry just completed!
 STEP TWO
Vestry meets with Bishop & Deployment Officer to
review Interim policies and Discernment Process.
Secure the services of an Interim Priest. Covenant with
Transition Consultant – Fee $1600 + Expenses .
Ten Critical Steps
 STEP THREE
Vestry appoints People of Prayer to Self-Study
Committee and Discernment Committees.
Discerning Your Gifts Retreat for SSC, DC, and
Vestry with Transition Consultant.
 STEP FOUR
Self-study Committee writes a Parish Profile (CD and
brochure!) and CDO Parish Search Request Form
Parish Profile
 Mission
statement and goals
 Description of programs and
organizations
 Hopes and dreams of members
 Qualities sought in new priest
 Financial summary
 History of Congregation
 Information about your community and
the Diocese of New Jersey
BE HONEST!
How do we develop a Parish
Profile?
 Gather
Data and information
– Parish Survey – Written or
computer
– Focus Groups
– Community Resources
– Information from your diocese
Interpret
& Compile Data
Create 2 profiles
–Narrative: CD, website,
brochure, or booklet
–Computer profile
Obtain vestry and bishop
approval
Computer Profile/Parish Search
Request Form
 Initiates
a national or regional search
for a new rector/vicar through the
CDO office in New York City.
 Defines compensation level as well as
ministry priorities.
 Defines parish goals for the next few
years.
Ten Critical Steps
 STEP FIVE
Receive names
of potential
candidates
Initial
Discernment
Names of Potential Candidates
NEED FOR CONFIDENTIALITY
Process is not confidential.
Names are!
Candidates Names
Sources:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Regional Transition Ministry Conference
CDO Computer Search
Online search by candidates on CDO website
and Transition Ministry Newsletter
Members of your Parish
Your Bishop
Other clergy of our diocese
Self-submissions by Candidates
Anti-Racism
Training
Discernment
Committee
2. Vestry
1.
Ten Critical Steps
 STEP SIX
Initial
discernment by
the Discernment
Committee
following
guidelines in the
book, Calling
Clergy
DISCERNMENT
Initial mailing to all candidates
 Copy of Parish Profiles


Narrative (CD, Website, Brochure or
Booklet)
CDO Computer Profile
 Invitation to consider position
 Request for resume & references
 2-3 Questions
 Request for a timely response
Receive responses
Review questions & resumes
Contact references (after
checking with candidate)
Notify those who are not
discerned as a fit for your
parish
Ten Critical Steps
 STEP SEVEN
Final discernment as list is reduced to 4 to 6
candidates.
 STEP EIGHT
Further discernment to reduce list to 1-3 finalists
to be presented to the vestry.
Tools
Conduct phone interviews
Check references
Review sermon tapes
Visit candidates
Welcome candidates to your
parish
Oxford Document Checks
 Sexual
misconduct
 Criminal history
 Credit history
 Motor vehicle records
Cost paid by parish
Visit to the Parish
 Informal social gathering with
Vestry & Discernment Committee
 Formal interview with
Discernment Committee
 Tour of parish facilities
 Tour of community and real estate
possibilities
 Meeting with our bishop
Ten Critical Steps
STEP NINE
Mutual discernment between
candidate(s) and vestry;
vestry vote.
Call
 Discernment
Committee
recommends name(s)
 Vestry votes (Majority required;
consensus desired)
 Bishop Councell contacted for
consent
 Vestry extends call
 Letter of Agreement signed
Ten Critical Steps
STEP TEN
Candidate Accepts the call.
Alleluia!!!!
Startup of a New Pastorate
 Moving Arrangements
 Setting agreed upon date for arrival
 Family inclusion in the parish and the
community
 Celebration of New Ministry
 Participation in Fresh Start program
 Mutual Ministry Review after about 9
months
A word about
 FRESH
START was established by the
Episcopal Church.
 FRESH START is offered to all clergy in
transition (new clergy to the diocese, newly
ordained and clergy of the diocese beginning a
new ministry)
 FRESH START is a two year program for the
purpose of strengthening relationships through
prayer, open conversation and critical
reflection.
A Prayer for the Calling Process
 “Almighty
God, giver of every good
gift, look graciously on your Church,
and so guide the minds of those who
shall choose a rector for
parish,
that we may receive a faithful pastor,
who will care for your people and
equip us for our ministries; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Book
of Common Prayer, page 818)
Note: All images from Google
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