Search Process Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Can the Transitional Priest be a candidate for the permanent job?
A:  No 

Q:  Will there be opportunities for those who are not on one of the four search-process team to participate?
A:  Yes, we will want input through all of these processes, but some of that has yet to be defined. We still need everyone’s help in many ways in the church, e.g. Sunday School teachers, music, etc.  Everyone will need to step up in every way, both in continuing the work of the church and in the search.

Q:  Is there a budget for travel for the search team?
A:  The vestry and finance committee are developing a budget, and may need to ask for help with this - but we want people to participate regardless of travel expenses, so that should not be a consideration for whether you want to serve on that team.

Q:  How will the congregation know and trust the consultant in this process?
A:  Jim Huber (consultant) will work with the Vestry and the committees.  He already knows Michele Morgan well.  He is approaching this work as a team approach, along with the Bishop, Karen Olsen, Tim and St. John’s.  The Diocese’s/consultant’s role is to empower us and help us accomplish our goals.  Vestry experience with the Bishop’s office through the Transitional search was very supportive and collaborative. 

Q:  What are the Missioners’ (Karen and Tim) roles in this process?
A:  We call the priest to our church, but under Canon Law, the Bishop of the Diocese still has a role in consulting upon the Call within 60 days.  He has the opportunity to express concerns; he does not get to say no.  Bishop Prior is doing things differently than in the past, and we are all still trying to learn these steps. 

Q: Can vestry members serve on the search process teams?
A: No. The vestry needs to focus on tending to the church while the search takes place.

Q: Does the Search and Call Team make the final decision on who to call as our rector?
A: While the Search and Call Team will make the recommendation of who we should call as our new rector to the vestry, it is actually the vestry's job to issue the formal call.

Q: When will a new rector be in place at St John's?
A: Our hope is to have a new rector join us in fall 2012, but the timeline is less important than finding the right rector. We are blessed to have Interim Priest Michele Morgan with us throughout this process, providing able leadership and spiritual support.