Search Process for Designated Term Pastor

A pastor may be called to a position for a designated term, usually 2 to 4 years. The church and the pastor must both have agreed to be considered for a designated relationship. The pastoral nominating committee shall nominate to the congregation for its consideration and vote, only from among those teaching elders designated to it by the presbytery’s COM. The pastor is installed by the presbytery and is Moderator of the session.

COM appoints Moderator of session after former pastor leaves
Session confers with COM on the process for selecting the next pastor, considering whether the next pastor should be installed with indefinite term, installed with designated term, or called to temporary service.
If COM and session agree to calling a pastor to a designated term, a PNC is elected for that purpose
COM presents 3-5 candidates to PNC (Executive checks completed)
PNC interviews candidates using targeted selection interview process and hears sermons
PNC requests clearance interview for finalists, (background checks completed)
PNC extends call; negotiates terms of call with candidate, and sets effective date for beginning ministry
Candidating service; congregation elects pastor for a designated term
Presbytery approves call
Presbytery conducts ordination/installation service
After end of designated term, congregation may elect pastor for an unlimited term. The session may act as the PNC for the sole purpose of nominating the pastor to serve an unlimited term.