FAQ
Does the Diocese have a formal process to guide our church during the search process? Will
the process include helping us determine our vision for the future of our church?
Yes. The Diocese has provided Vestry tools and resources for seeking a new priest to help us in
this important and serious process. We also have engaged Lindsay Ryland as our diocesan
consultant, who brings more than 20 years’ experience as a church transition leader.
What is the time frame for the Search process?
The process is normally nine to twelve months and varies by church, but during this time of
COVID (and not having a priest in charge) it may take us longer. The Search Committee will lead
our church in a self-study to determine our needs for this next chapter in our history. The
Search Committee will interview and select [the best candidate... or candidates?] and present
that candidate for the Vestry for approval.
Will all parish members be invited to participate in the parish self-study? Will the information
collected by the Discernment Team be shared with the parish?
Yes. Your input is invaluable as we determine our church’s needs and requirements. The COVID-
19 pandemic has limited our self-study to a survey sent to every member of the parish. Survey
responses are confidential and only summaries of any data collected are shared.
Will the congregation get to meet and hear from all the candidates? Will the parish see their
biographies and resumes?
No. The Search Committee will receive and review resumes and meet with the candidates.
Confidentiality during the process is very important, especially because most of the clergy
candidates will currently be serving a parish.
Will the congregation be kept informed of the transition progress?
Yes. The committee will use all communication channels available—verbal, written,
electronic—to provide information and updates to the parish.
the process include helping us determine our vision for the future of our church?
Yes. The Diocese has provided Vestry tools and resources for seeking a new priest to help us in
this important and serious process. We also have engaged Lindsay Ryland as our diocesan
consultant, who brings more than 20 years’ experience as a church transition leader.
What is the time frame for the Search process?
The process is normally nine to twelve months and varies by church, but during this time of
COVID (and not having a priest in charge) it may take us longer. The Search Committee will lead
our church in a self-study to determine our needs for this next chapter in our history. The
Search Committee will interview and select [the best candidate... or candidates?] and present
that candidate for the Vestry for approval.
Will all parish members be invited to participate in the parish self-study? Will the information
collected by the Discernment Team be shared with the parish?
Yes. Your input is invaluable as we determine our church’s needs and requirements. The COVID-
19 pandemic has limited our self-study to a survey sent to every member of the parish. Survey
responses are confidential and only summaries of any data collected are shared.
Will the congregation get to meet and hear from all the candidates? Will the parish see their
biographies and resumes?
No. The Search Committee will receive and review resumes and meet with the candidates.
Confidentiality during the process is very important, especially because most of the clergy
candidates will currently be serving a parish.
Will the congregation be kept informed of the transition progress?
Yes. The committee will use all communication channels available—verbal, written,
electronic—to provide information and updates to the parish.
