Before serving on the search team, potential members should have a clear understanding of the commitment of time over the course of the year-long search process. Some periods are slow, others are intense. The timing can vary by role.
Here are some general estimates on the amount of time the search team will need to spend over the year of search:
| When | Task | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| July or August | Search Committee Retreat | 1-2 full days |
| August through October | Planning and Discussion Administering Congregational Assessment Small Group Discussions/Focus Groups | Weekly meetings (with occasional breaks) |
| November | Evaluating congregational assessment Compiling small group meeting findings Writing the congregational record Compile congregational packet | About 30 hours |
| December | Congregational Record Published Dec. 1 | Minimal time required |
| January | Initial evaluation of applicants:
| About 40 hours |
| February-March | Pre-candidating weekends Follow-up and discernment Final choice and preparation of offer | 3 full weekends in six-week period 1 week 5 hours |
| Early April | Planning for candidating week | 10 hours |
| Late April | Candidating week support | 15 hours |