Interim Pastor Update

It has been several weeks since we have given everyone a status report. Two weeks ago we posted our CIF (Church Information Form) on the Presbyterian USA web site. As a result we have had 3 direct applications and 19 matched referrals, a total of 22 potential candidates. A note of interest is that there were a mix of males and females, as well as an experience-spread from young pastors with little experience to more senior pastors with many years of experience.

The Search Committee then reviewed all of the applications looking for the best matches to our congregation. We ended up with the top 6 candidates to pursue. These top 6 were sent a letter stating, “we have prayerfully narrowed our search to include your application.” Special note: Dr. Greg Goodwiller was impressed with our letter and asked to share it with interim committees.

We asked them to review our church web site, CIF form on-line, and consider exploring a potential relationship with our church. Everyone was given until August 17 to respond before we move to our next step.

They were told “our next step will be to review those candidates who express an interest in our Interim Pastor position.” At that point we will begin a more in-depth evaluation of the candidates, which will potentially include phone interviews, reference checks, as well as a sermon on tape.

Currently, we have had 2 of the 6 respond, stating they were interested in the interim position. They both mentioned they would be ending their current interim pastorate at the beginning of September. Over the next several days the committee will be meeting and starting the interview process.

Interim Pastor Search Committee

By: Bill Mundroff, Paulette Norman and Laurie Monteith

The Interim Committee is off and running. We have met several times in the past 2 weeks and used email daily to keep everyone informed, as well as keeping the process moving expeditiously.

One of the key things accomplished has been a revisit to our mission statement:

Batesville Presbyterian Church is called to be a faithful and all inclusive congregation that enthusiastically glorifies God in our worship, education, nurture, and service through the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In addition, we have filled out the required Church Information Forms (CIF) Part 1 and Part 2. The primary sections required for the interim include information such as the roles and responsibilities, desired skills and competencies, and our mission statement. The Session has reviewed and approved these forms.

What are our next steps?

• We need to submit these forms CIF 1-2 to the Presbytery.
• Presbytery Executive will match candidates with our desires.
• Committee will review applications and interview best fit candidates· Administration Committee will negotiate a contract (usually a 6 month with renewable terms and 30 days out clause)
• Call a Congregational meeting to approve the calling of an Interim Pastor.

Next week we will review in greater detail the desired skills and competencies the committee will be using as a guide. Please continue to be in pray for the committee as we search for the best matched Interim Pastor.