Search Process for Temporary Pastors & Associate Pastors

*Some steps may not be applicable in certain situations. Please consult your COM liaison.

Pastor announces departure to Session with COM liaison or Branch Minister present.
Congregational meeting called and moderated by someone other than current pastor.
Pastoral relationship is dissolved, or pastoral contract ended; COM conducts exit interview.
Presbytery approves dissolution or affirms contract completion.
Congregation plans Farewell.
COM appoints moderator; Session consults with COM about process for electing Temporary Pastor Nominating Committee (TPNC).
COM orients Session to TPNC process, Session appoints TPNC.
TPNC begins meeting, with initial orientation by COM liaison and Branch Minister.
TPNC prepares Job Description, in consultation with Branch Minister.
Session and COM Liaison or Branch Minister approve job description.
Job Description posted for at least one month on Presbytery website.
TPNC begins to receive Personal Information Forms (PIFs).
TPNC screens candidates and conducts reference checks.
TPNC submits short list for executive checks by appropriate Branch Minister.
TPNC interviews finalists and hears them preach, COM clears finalists, after which TPNC selects its choice.
TPNC extends call; negotiates terms of call with candidate; conducts criminal and FBI checks.
TPNC offers the position and negotiates contract with its chosen candidate.
Effective date Temporary Pastor begins ministry set, in consultation with COM.
Presbytery approves contract.
Presbytery conducts Ordination Service if candidate is not yet ordained.
Six-month review with COM liaison and/or Branch Minister.