Process for Selecting a Pastor

This is an overview of the process that the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) will use during the search for a new Senior Pastor for Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church. There is not a set timeline for the process. We are committed to letting God be our leader and guide throughout the transition and search.

  • STEP 1: Congregation confirms Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC)

    • Session nominates PNC based on recommendations from Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church (LCPC) leadership and committee members
    • Congregation confirms PNC

     

  • Step 2: Conduct Discernment Process

    • Session appoints Catalyst Team
    • Prayerfully seeking God’s guidance, Catalyst Team, PNC, and Session meet with staff and leadership to develop an understanding of our corporate personality, the vision and mission of our church in our community, and long-term goals
    • Catalyst Team prepares a three-year strategic Action Plan with assistance from The Center
    • Share the results of this process with the Congregation
    • Determine the qualities most desirable in a candidate for LCPC
    • Remain in contact with our ECO Northeast Coast Ministry Partnership Team (MPT)


  • Step 3: Initiate the Search for Candidates

    • Develop the Congregational Profile, which reflects the culture and direction of LCPC based on results from the discernment phase
    • Develop the job description and advertisement for a new senior pastor
    • Session approves Congregational Profile and job description
    • Post these documents on the ECO website, as well as other appropriate search outlets


  • Step 4: Review Candidate Profiles

    • Receive and review resumes, faith statements, and other inquiries
    • Conduct initial reference checks
    • Prayerfully develop an initial list of possible candidates
    • Update Session monthly on the status of the search process


  • Step 5: Interview Potential Candidates

    • Develop question list
    • Evaluate, identify, and select candidates who match criteria
    • Schedule and conduct initial interviews, in-person when feasible, electronically when not
    • Prayerfully develop a short list of candidates
    • Schedule and conduct in-depth, follow-up interviews
    • Hear sermons, in person when possible
    • Prayerfully discern God’s will   

  • Step 6: Select Candidate

    • Provide the short list of candidates to Session for due diligence
    • Present the selected candidate to Session for approval
    • Present the selected candidate to our ECO Northeast Coast ECO Presbytery for approval
    • The congregation votes to receive the candidate and approve terms of call   


  • Step 7: Welcome Our New Pastor