All of the work so far, from the gathering of information in the assessment and small groups, to developing a picture of the kind of ministry your congregations needs, to communicating that in your Congregational Profile, has led to this phase of the search team’s work. The team is aware of the congregation’s gifts and challenges, they’ve noticed historical patterns in the congregation’s life, and they understand that good ministry is shared. The team is ready to:
- remain grounded in what they set out to do in their searches
- remain hopeful
- act inclusively and with kindness
- ask good questions
- explore the possibilities with an open mind
The interactions between the search team and ministers during discernment provide a window into what the shared ministry could be. Does the applicant minister to the team in a way that will resonant with the congregation as a whole? Does the minister feel welcomed by the congregational culture embodied by the search team?
More on Culture
Covenantal Manners for the Search Process
The search process leading up to calling or hiring a minister (or other program religious professional) sets the tone for the covenantal relationships vital to the congregation’s ministry.