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Q&A


Chip Layfield, chair of the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC), provides an update on our congregation’s search for a new associate pastor.


What is the purpose of this PNC? Lindsay Harren-Lewis was called to another congregation, so after some realignment of responsibilities, we are looking for an Associate Pastor for Youth and Faith Formation.


Who represents the congregation on the PNC? Ruth Asiedu-Ansah, Alicen Bailey- Silfies, Maddie Brown, Kim Ceccatti, Bill Coles, Nancy Holler, Bob Martin, John Rowley, and I were elected to the PNC by the congregation on August 26, 2018.


What is the committee’s process? Te process began by creating a Mission Study at the request of Session. It gives an overview of the history of our church, its programs, staff, and mission goals and was approved on December 19, 2018.


Next the PNC developed the Ministry Information Form (MIF). Tis is a specific job description to be published nationally for potential candidates to access. It was approved by Session on January 23, 2019.


Te MIF is submitted to the Lehigh Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM) for their review and approval.


After the COM approves the MIF, it is entered into the Church Leadership Connection (CLC), a national Presbyterian Church database system. Te CLC performs like a dating service between pastors open to receiving a call and congregations seeking to fill a vacancy. In addition to this system, the PNC networks with seminaries,


churches, and other individuals to enhance the pool of qualified candidates.


Is that all there is to it? No, entering the MIF into the CLC system and networking is just the beginning. In addition to reaching out to others, we begin receiving Personal Information Forms (PIFs), which are professional resumes from pastoral candidates. Tese come from the CLC system, directly from candidates, and sometimes from referral sources. Te PIF—which consists of a fairly detailed background of the candidate—is reviewed by the PNC and matched with those attributes we are seeking. We listen to sermons, conduct interviews, research the institution with which the candidate is affiliated, and, when appropriate, contact references.


Te length of time this process takes is highly variable and may go anywhere from six months to a year. Part of the estimated duration is due to logistical issues regarding the candidate and the availability of qualified candidates to match our specific needs. We are an equal-opportunity employer.


We plan to periodically inform the congregation of our progress. However, we are required to operate confidentially and are unable to reveal any information about individual candidates out of regard for their current employment. When a candidate is finally selected and approved by Presbytery, the process will conclude by a vote of the congregation.


What is the goal of the PNC? To locate and select the very best qualified candidate we can find to fill the position being sought.


Why not consider Dallas Bradel? Dallas is a highly qualified and desirable pastor who was intentionally hired as an interim pastor. She is hired under a defined-length contract. She readily accepted the call to join FPCA as an interim but does not feel called to engage in youth ministry.


What else? We will be looking for a candidate who will be available for more than the national average six years’ tenure, as we believe that continuity with the youth program is important.


What can the congregation do to help? If you visit other Presbyterian churches and learn of potential candidates, don’t hesitate to contact the PNC. We ask you to pray for us as we seek guidance from the Holy Spirit to locate the right candidate for our congregation.


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