Section I – Pastoral Search Process

These documents explain the pastoral transition process, from dissolution of a current pastoral relationship through the Interim period, missions study, and the seeking and calling of a new pastor. It also contains forms that need to be completed by church and/or pastor along the way. These resources pertain primarily to installed, full-time positions.

• Pastoral Transition 1 Minister Leaves - Called

• Pastoral Transition 1 Minister Leaves - Temporary

• Pastoral Transition 2 Search Process - Called

• Pastoral Transition 2 Search Process - Temporary

• Pastoral Transition 3 Assessment Process

• Policy on Search to Fill Newly Created Position

• Appendix A1 - Pastoral Models Chart

• Appendix A2 - Policy on Interim Ministers

• Appendix A3 - Policy on Stated Supply to Installed

• Appendix B1 - Congregational Meeting Agenda

• Appendix B2 - Dissolution of Pastoral Relation Form

• Appendix B3 - Minister Being Dismissed Form

• Appendix B4 - Minister Leaving Data

• Appendix C - Policy and Agreement for Pastors and Churches Following the Conclusion of a Pastoral Relationship

• Appendix D1 - Exit Interview with Pastor

• Appendix D2 - Exit Interview with Session

• Appendix D3 - Report on Exit Interview

• Appendix E - Goals for Interim Ministry

• Appendix F - Interim Pastor Contract (Sample)

• Appendix G - Congregational Mission Study Process

• Appendix H - Composition of PNC or PSC

• Appendix I1 - Congregational Meeting Agenda for Election of PNC

• Appendix I2 - Report on Election of PNC/PSC

• Appendix J1 - Equal Opportunity Policy

• Appendix J2 - Equal Opportunity Report Forms

• Appendix J3 - Policy on Candidates Known to the Church

• Appendix K - Church Leadership Connection User’s Guide

• Appendix L - Reading PIFs: What to Look For

• Appendix M - Reference Questions

• Appendix N1 - Conducting an Interview

• Appendix N2 - Considerations for a Pandemic

• Appendix O1 - COM Clearance Interview Process

• Appendix O2 - Clearance Interview Report

• Appendix O3 - Candidate Checklist

• Appendix O4 - Statement of Faith

• Appendix O5 - Clergy Sexual Misconduct Policy & Certification

• Appendix O6 - Clergy and Employee Background Check Policy, Employee Questionnaire & Authorization

• Appendix O7 - Minister Being Received Data

• Appendix P1 - Guidelines for Terms of Call

• Appendix P2 - Pastor Work Hour Guidelines

• Appendix P3 - Sample Stated Supply Contract

• Appendix Q1 - Congregational Meeting Agenda for Election of Pastor/Associate Pastor

• Appendix Q2 - Pastoral Call Form & Certification

• Appendix R - Equal Opportunity Final Report

• Appendix S1 - Suggested Order of Service of Ordination

• Appendix S2 - Suggested Order of Service for Installation

• Appendix S3 - Dedication Service for Stated Supply Pastors and Commissioning Service for CRE’s

• Appendix T - End of First Year Conversation

COM Manual Sections

• Section 1 - Pastoral Search Process
• Section 2 - Compensation
• Section 3 - Pastors
• Section 4 - Pulpit Supply
• Section 5 - Manses
• Section 6 - Miscellaneous Policies & Processes