There is scripture that has helped to define our journey thus far as a Pastor Nominating Committee. It comes from the book of Proverbs, Chapter 3, verses 5-6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Since assembling as a Pastor Nominating Committee we have:
- met 19 times
- re-reviewed the Mission Study
- completed our Church Information Form in under 6 weeks and had it approved by Session and the Presbytery of Chicago
- met twice with the Presbytery of Chicago
- reached out personally to eleven hundred pastors and executive presbyters to spread the word about our search
As a result of these efforts:
- we have received189 Personal Information Forms or candidate resumes
- Of the 189 resumes, we have reviewed 151 candidate profiles
- Our field has narrowed to approximately 40 candidates to date for which we’re researching, listening to sermons, and doing follow-up work to see if these individuals will be interviewed
These are exciting times for our congregation! Please note we still have more first round reviews to go.
Where are we heading:
- In the coming weeks we will be scheduling the first round of interviews with our potential pastor/head of staff.
- We have developed carefully crafted questions so we’re not just asking questions, but the right questions.
- Sought out an expert to assist in training and coaching us with the interview process.
There’s a lot more to come. As we work daily in God’s presence and as ambassadors of First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights we ask that you keep our Church, congregation, and those who the Holy Spirit is calling to us in our prayers.
