Facing the change of pastoral leadership can be a bit scary. One of the things that can make it feel less threatening (apart from praying!) is to understand the process, know who is leading and how, and having a sense of the progress so far.
On this page you will find a collection of updates and plans to help you understand what is happening in this season of transition. If you have questions, please reach out to the transition team.
Debbie Dininno
Kristin Monopolis
Kevin Hula
Jack Weber
July 2019
Congregation Informed
Fall / Winter 2019-2020
Develop interim pastor job description, engage in conversations with the Baltimore Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry, hire Crows Feet Consulting to advise staff and session
February 23
Congregational Update In Worship
March 2020
Conduct Congregational Assessment with the assistance of Crows Feet Consulting.
Update in worship.Spring 2020
Interim Pastor Search
June 30, 2020
Pastor John’s Retirement Date
July 2020
Interim Pastor Hired
May 2021
Prepare Slate for Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC)
Congregational Meeting May 23, 2021
Approve Pastor Nominating Committee
Q: Why do we need to hire an interim senior pastor?
An interim pastor is a temporary pastor who has special expertise and training in working with congregations in the midst of a pastoral transition. The Presbyterian process requires that we do not begin the search for a new senior pastor until after John’s last day at Central. At that time a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) will be formed from members of the congregation and will be charged with the task to find our next senior pastor.
Q: What is the process for hiring an interim Pastor?
The Session has appointed the Transition Team to serve as the Interim Pastor Search Committee, which will:
- Develop an Interim Pastor job description.
- Review resumes, interview and select a candidate for Interim Pastor.
Then, the Interim Pastor candidate is approved by the Session and begins service.
Q: How can I have input into the selection of our interim pastor? Will we vote on him or her? Why not?
- You may submit names of Interim Pastor candidates to the Transition Team
- The candidate must be an ordained PCUSA Minister in good standing with the PCUSA, and have completed Phase One of Interim Training.
- The congregation will not vote on the Interim Pastor. It is the defined process by the PCUSA for the Session to appoint interims, and congregation elects permanent pastors.
Q: How long are we likely to have an Interim Pastor?
Interim Pastors usually serve one to one and a half years. Our last interim period at Central lasted three years.
Q: What will be his/her responsibilities/objectives?
The interim pastor will serve as head of staff at Central, preach, conduct baptisms, serve communion, and help maintain the health and life of the congregation as any senior pastor would, but they will also help us prepare to welcome our new senior pastor.