Search Committee Minutes-March 2023

The Lead Pastor Search Committee met on March 14th.

Opening Devotions and Prayer led by Pam Koelewyn “The Process – Romans 8:28”

Opening Discussion

• Brad expressed thanks to committee members

• Brad emphasized the importance of confidentiality

• Minutes from last meeting were approved

• Pastor Van provided an updated on the Abide project as something to be aware of that we may be hearing more about within the CRC.

Search committee continues to follow and review CRCNA document “More Than a Search Committee”

Phase I – Preparation – complete

Phase II – Reflection – in process, nearing completion

Phase III – Nomination – in process

Committee reviewed the various locations our opening is posted – such as with CRC, RCA, Calvin Seminary, Western Seminary, etc.

• Brad will also post our ad with Westminster Seminary (CA)

• The Banner will run our posting in the April publication

• Reviewed letters that were created to send to potential candidate(s)

• Much time was spent reviewing list of applicants and nominations received to date.

  • After an application is received, an email is sent to let the applicant know it has been received and will be reviewed.

  • Discussed the best way to reach out to candidates after they are nominated

    • Email, phone, or both and frequency

    • Nominees will not be contacted unless the nomination form has been completed (there may be exceptions to this rule).

    • Discussed next steps for each of the candidates

• Van reviewed ‘Pastoral Duties’ information

  • The team performed an exercise on their interpretation of the top pastoral duties needed by our Lead Pastor

  • Definitions of Preacher, Minister, and Pastor

  • What Makes a Good Sermon?

    • Content, delivery, and response all play an important part

Next Steps/Action Items

• Decision to meet every two weeks going forward.

• Brad continues to monitor for new applications/nominations several times per day

  • team will continue to review google shared document prior to next meeting.

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Next Meetings are set as follows:

• Tuesday, March 28^th, 5:30 – 7:00pm

  • Caleb responsible for devotions

• Tuesday, April 18^th, 5:30 – 7:00 pm

  • Lisa responsible for devotions

• Monday, May 1^st, 5:30 – 7:00

  • Amber responsible for devotions