God calls us forward.

Below is the process for bringing a new pastor to St. John's.

Download a graphic that illustrates the call process.

Phase 1: Leave Taking
Council receives a letter of resignation from pastor
Pastor and Council complete any obligations to one another
An exit interview may be conducted
A farewell event for the departing pastor and family is held
The Bishop appoints an interim pastor in consultation with the Congregation Council
Interim pastor is installed
A transition team may be appointed to advise the interim pastor

Phase 2: Congregational Mission Exploration <--We are here!
The Interim Pastor engages the congregation in reflection and conversation about perceived strengths
The Call Committee is elected by the congregation
Call Committee takes the reflections and conversations and begins to form the Ministry Site Profile (MSP)
Synod assist the Call Committee in developing the MSP
It includes descriptions and dynamics of congregational life, goals, missions, and challenges
Call Committee presents MSP to Congregational Council for review
Congregational Council submits MSP at a congregational meeting for approval
MSP is submitted to the Bishop's Office

Phase 3: Calling a Pastor
Upon receipt of the completed MSP, the Bishop's Office prayerfully reviews the MSP and discerns candidates to recommend to the congregation
The congregation is invited to submit names for the Bishop's review
Call Committee determines a process for interview and selection
Bishop's Office meets with the Call Committee to recommend candidates and to discuss procedures for interviewing and evaluating candidates
Call Committee interviews candidates
Call Committee recommends candidate to Congregational Council
Council interviews and recommends the candidate to the congregation
Council and candidate negotiate financial package and benefits and arranges for site visit
Congregation meets the candidate
Congregation meets to vote on call and presented financial package

Phase 4: Beginning of the New Ministry
Candidate accepts the call and sets start date
Council president alerts the Synod office
Date set in collaboration with Synod office for Installation
Congregation says farewell to interim pastor
New pastor's first Sunday, welcomed by the congregation
The new pastor is installed by the Office of the Bishop