Search Committee Minutes-May 1, 2023

The Lead Pastor Search Committee met on May 1^st at AVERA on Louise.

Opening Devotions and Prayer led by Amber VanderWal “God’s Greatest Pre-Moves” (Rev 3:27) from Chase the Lion devotional.

Reminder to pray for the future pastor and his family.

Opening Discussion

• Brad expressed thanks to committee members

• Brad emphasized the importance of confidentiality – continues to be important with applications submitted

• Minutes from last meeting were approved

• Pastor Van shared his experience at the CRC Transitional Pastoral meetings he attended in Grand Rapids, which included a better understanding that our search process/experience/challenges are not unusual in the denomination due to a variety of factors.

• Brad reported that no congregational questions have been submitted through the website.

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

Phase I – Preparation – complete

Phase II – Reflection – complete

Phase III – Nomination – remains in process

• Additional names have been submitted for review from CRCNA profiles

• Committee briefly discussed updates on potential candidates

Phase IV – Evaluation – now entering this phase, website and “button” will be updated with progression to “First Round of Interviews”

• Extensive discussion regarding first-round interview questions. Tentative interview format/questions were finalized.

• Committee will meet in a conference room at Avera on Louise for all interviews

• Discussed that if a question from the candidate requires a more in-depth answer, we will get back to the candidate with more information.

• We will allow approximately 60 – 75 minutes for each interview with time for the committee to have discussion afterward.

• Brad will send a post-interview email to candidates after the first round of interviews and provide an update on next steps.

• General progression will be: First-Round interview, Second-Round interview (possibly with Ad Board as well), and likely Third-Round interview (in person, with Council as well, meet staff). Eventual nominee will lead a service and attend/participate in various meetings/events.

• Advanced planning and logistics will be important. Process may be modified depending on travel distances for candidates.

Next Steps/Action Items

• Continue to watch/listen to services and sermons from applicants’ home churches.

Next Meetings are set as follows:

• Monday, May 8; 6:00pm

• Wednesday, May 10; 6:00pm

• Monday, May 15; 6:00pm

• Wednesday, May 17; 6:00pm (possible)