ABOUT THE SEARCH COMMITTEE

Formation of the Search Committee

The search committee is a creation of the Vestry and works for and on behalf of the Vestry. The vestry calls members to the search committee. 

Process

  • Vestry announces intent to form search committee.

  • Wardens appoint committee chair.

  • Vestry makes membership applications available to congregation.

  • Vestry and Chair draw up proposed committee membership.

  • Vestry reviews list of proposed committee members.

  • Vestry confirms willingness of proposed members to serve.

  • Wardens inform chosen committee members.

  • Wardens announce committee membership and arrange a commissioning service.

Composition of the Search Committee

The search committee will be commissioned by the Vestry.  The search committee will:

  • include a diverse group who are equipped for the responsibility of assessing the knowledge, ability and skills of the candidates.

  • be balanced, representing a cross section of the parish (age, gender, length of   membership, representative of different ministries etc.)

  • select a chaplain from the members, a person of prayer.

  • include one Vestry member who will be appointed to serve in order to act as liaison and information link between the two groups.

  • have a Chair appointed by the Vestry.

  • not include any paid staff or other clergy.

  • not include two from the same household or spouse of a vestry member.

  •  not include the Senior Warden as all her energies will be devoted to keeping the church going during the interim period.

It will be made clear to the congregation that, though volunteers for the committee are given careful consideration, because balance of the committee is so crucial to the search process, volunteers may or may not be appointed.  A written application process will be put in place for those who wish to volunteer to be a part of this important task.

The search committee will be composed of 7 people with some of these desirable characteristics:

  •  Commitment to the parish through worship, serving, working and giving.

  •  Good organizational/writing skills.

  •  Willingness to work for the good of the church overall without hidden agendas.

  •   Ability to work well with a group.

  •   One who can maintain confidentiality and keep promises.

  •  Comfortable with the work of assessment.

  •   Available and willing to set aside time for regular meetings

Time Commitment of Search Committee Members

  • Serving on the Search Committee is a serious commitment.  Members will be expected to attend regular meetings, to follow through on tasks in a timely manner, and to serve for the full duration of the search process.

  • The committee will meet frequently, probably weekly or bi-weekly, throughout the process.

  •  Although we don’t know exactly how long our search process will take, the Vestry would like to have a new Rector selected by July 1, 2021.

 Vestry’s Charge to the Search Committee

 The Search Committee will be charged to present no less than 2 and no more than 4 qualified candidates for Rector to the Vestry for consideration and selection.  The Search Committee members must all agree to support the slate given to the Vestry.

 The Search Committee is expected to finish its work as expeditiously as reasonably possible, but without any sense of rushing the process. The committee will work with the Bishop’s Office through the Canon for Transition.  They will communicate regularly with the Vestry and congregation through the Search Committee Chair.

The broad focus of the Search Committee’s work is to select candidates who see the possibilities of St. Patrick’s and say things like “I know I will be challenged here” and not “I could be comfortable here”.  Essentially, we are searching for the Rector we need at this time in our parish life, one who creates energy and encourages our continued spiritual growth as disciples of Jesus.

The Search

Calling a new Rector is a deeply spiritual event in the life of our parish. It is an opportunity to continue our transformation into the parish God is calling us to be.  It is an opportunity to breathe in the Holy Spirit and grow ever closer in our personal and collective relationship with God.

The Search Committee will follow the Transition Timeline published by the Episcopal Church of Colorado. The committee will seek the guidance of the Reverend Vanessa Stickler-Glass, Canon for Transition. A complete task description and budget for the search will be given to the committee by the Vestry.

Non-Discrimination and Confidentiality Statement

If selected for the Search Committee, you will be required to sign both non-discrimination and confidentiality statements.

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Pagosa Springs, Colorado does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all:  members of our staff, parishioners, guests, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.