Associate Pastor Nominating Committee
Position Description (PDF Format)
Let there be no doubt that at Sycamore Presbyterian, we are looking forward to the day when we will welcome our new Associate Pastor for Adult Ministry. We, your Associate Pastor Nominating Committee, are beginning that search and would like to share with you three facets of the nomination process.
The first is that each member of the APNC is aware that you, the congregation, have put your trust in us to make a good decision. We, as a church, will be greatly influenced by what we decide within this committee. We also believe that it is not by chance that we were called to be members of the APNC knowing that God’s hand was in the process. Ultimately, we are accountable to Him.
The second facet we feel is important for you to know is although we will work as diligently as possible; this process is quite lengthy and detailed. If you are expecting our answer soon, you may be surprised to know that the time frame can extend upwards of 18 to 24 months. The good side to this process should leave you with the comfort of knowing that serious deliberation and scrutiny will take place with each step. Our committee’s greater concern is for the right candidate rather than the speed at which our decisions are made.
The guidelines for this process have been established by the PCUSA. They realize that in most cases, when a church calls an APNC, the members of that committee will probably be inexperienced at nominating a new Associate Pastor. In light of this, our denomination has provided the committee with a 37- page manual titled “On Calling a Pastor” that outlines 12 chronological steps to guide us in the nominating process.
The steps are as follows;
As you read down the list, there are a few notations to be made. The first is that we have completed the first six steps! We are now in the process of getting ready to collect and screen the Personal Information Forms. The fact that the process is so detailed and thorough, will give you assurance that decisions are made after prayerful deliberation. We will keep you informed of our progress through our website, Newsletter, and weekly bulletins.
The third facet, and most importantly, we want you to know that we are much attuned to our dependence upon God which is essential in carrying out this nominating process. Christ states in John 15 that “without Me you can do nothing.” In light of this, we will be seeking and praying for His guidance in every step of this process and in making our final decision. Also, we are asking that each of you become a partner in praying over this process daily; asking God to lead us to His candidate. As much as the members of the APNC desire the right candidate and as good as the process is; only our reliance upon our Lord will lead us to His perfect will for our church.
Associate Pastor Nominating Committee; Randy Gross, Rick Stickles, Anne Millhaem,
Peter Ganeff, Joyce Dunham, Julie Hinshaw, Gary Ahfeld, Mark Nocito and Rev. Gary Brose (COM Liaison)