The PNC “Springs” Into Action!

Your Pastor Nominating Committee has been meeting weekly as we continue to review PIFs received through PCUSA matching as well as presbytery- and self-referrals. It’s a good thing we like to read, as the number of PIFs on our list now reaches beyond 100!
Recently the PNC has begun conducting phone interviews with potential candidates. It’s great to put an actual voice to the people we’ve met on paper and have meaningful conversations with them. As we move forward, the next step will be to meet the candidates face-to-face. The PNC will continue to accept new PIFs and keep the congregation informed of our progress. We are not operating on a particular timetable in this process of getting to know select candidates. We hope you will continue to pray for us and for the one who will ultimately fill the role of Pastor, Head of Staff at Tuckahoe!

What are PIFs and how do we get them?

The PNC is in the process of reviewing PIFs or Pastor Information Forms. The PIF is like a pastor’s resume but in addition to the typical name, address, education and previous employment information, the PIF also contains five narratives. These narratives are:

Church Characteristics Desired
Accomplishments in Present Call
Leadership Style
Key Theological Issues
Statement of Faith

The PNC has created a evaluation form that we use when we read each PIF. Each candidate is rated on a scale of 1 to 3 (1 is an excellent fit, 2 is a possible fit, 3 is not a fit). When we believe that we have found several candidates who are an excellent fit, we will proceed to phone interviews.

How do we get the PIFs? They come in several ways. Candidates can “self-refer” and submit their PIF to TPC via the PCUSA website. We can also do “matching”. In this process, candidates who have posted the PIFs on the PCUSA website are matched with Tuckahoe based on 10 characteristics. Of course, candidates can mail or e-mail their PIF directly to us as well. If a member of the congregation knows of a pastor who they believe would be a good fit, they are encouraged to suggest that the pastor submit a PIF.

As of this week, Tuckahoe has received approximately 45 PIFs directly from candidates either by mail or self-referral. In addition, we have done one “matching” and received 10 more PIFs that are supposed to be a good fit for Tuckahoe.

The PNC continues to meet weekly and work hard. We appreciate your prayers as we seek to find the next pastor that God is calling to Tuckahoe

Review of PIFs begins

Tuckahoe’s Church Information Form (CIF) has been approved by the Session and by the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM).  It has been uploaded to the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) website where it can be viewed by prospective pastors.  A copy has also been posted here on the PNC blog page under the heading “Church Information Form”.  The CIF tells prospective pastors about TPC and about what qualities we seek in our next Pastor.

Now that the CIF is complete, the PNC has begun the process of looking at candidates.  Each candidate has a Pastor Information Form (PIF).  The committee is working on the process for deciding which candidates should be looked at more closely and potentially interviewed.  It is an exciting time.

Candidates come via several avenues.  If any member of the congregation knows of someone whom they believe would make a good candidate, please encourage that person to read our CIF and submit their PIF if they feel called to do so.

Work on CIF continues

The PNC is continuing to work on the Church Information Form (CIF) (Steps 4 and 5). We have met with members of the congregation, staff, youth, and our pastors. To help you understand the process, the CIF includes some factual data such as the number of members, worship and Sunday School attendance, and location information. It also includes information about the type of person you are looking for including years of experience. Most importantly, the CIF has six narrative questions which must be answered in 1500 characters or less. The questions are:

- Give a Brief Church Mission Statement.
- Write a brief description of your church/organization programs or accomplishments.
- Describe what gifts, skills and experiences your congregation possesses to fulfill its mission.
- What are the key theological issues of our church and society that are reflected in the ministry of your congregation/organization?
- Major Responsibilities: For what specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
- Description of characteristics and qualifications needed in a person who would fill this position.

We are close to finishing these narratives – I would say that five of the six are complete. We will then seek approval of the document from the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry and the Session at TPC. We expect be ready to post the CIF in January and begin receiving and reviewing Pastor Information Forms.

Jim McLeskey

The PNC is working on the CIF

The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) is working hard to prepare the Church Information Form (CIF). The CIF is the church’s “resume”. It includes factual data about our church such as the number of members, average worship attendance, and location. More importantly, it includes narrative information including our mission statement, our goals and accomplishments, the skills and experiences of our members, and a discussion of theological issues that are important to our congregation. The CIF also includes important information about the characteristics and qualifications we are looking for in our next senior pastor as well as a description of the major responsibilities that the senior pastor will have. If you are following along in the “Steps to Calling a Pastor” posted on adjacent page, we are on steps 4 and 5. Watch this space to follow our progress.

Jim McLeskey