A new procedure is in place for filling pastoral vacancies in United Brethren churches.
1. When a vacancy occurs in a senior pastor position in a local church, the Personnel Relations Commission chairperson should contact the Bishop’s office and the Healthy Church Cluster Leader.
2. The local church fills out a profile that gives pertinent information about the church (attendance, finances, history, growth, etc.). This also includes the key traits the leadership believes are needed in a new pastor.
3. The stationing committee will consist of the Bishop, the Healthy Church Cluster Leader or his designate, a member of the Pastoral Ministries Leadership Team, and the chairperson of the local PRC.
4. In cooperation with the stationing committee, a list of suitable candidates will be developed. The local church may help generate a list of names through its PRC. The role of the Bishop’s office and Pastoral Ministries Team member are to ensure theological soundness and compatibility of the potential candidates.
5. Candidates will be asked to complete a Pastor Profile.
6. Resumes will be passed on to the PRC for their review.
7. The Bishop or Healthy Cluster Leader will then arrange interviews in cooperation with the local PRC.
8. Any candidate selected would need approval of the Stationing Committee and local PRC.
9. If the church and candidate believe the Lord is leading for them to proceed, an agreement of understanding is signed, clearly communicating the details and expectations (salary, start date, etc).
