Clergy Search and Interim Ministry

Calling a New Rector in the Diocese of Washington
A Process of Mutual Discernment

PLEASE NOTE: A new resource for parishes in transition was made available January 2006. Please take a look at this document, Parish Transition Process (January 2006) [pdf], first.

INTRODUCTION

The process of calling a new rector is one of mutual discernment, engaged in by the Vestry, Search Team, and candidates in partnership with the Bishop. This exciting time of seeking the best clergy match for a congregation should be carried out prayerfully and with faith and will require a major commitment of time and resources.

The length of time to complete process depends upon many variables, including frequency of Vestry and Search Team meetings, commitment and willingness of members to work independently in small groups, general health of parish (e.g., it may be necessary to work on conflict resolution or other healing processes before proceeding full-speed with search), length of time required to gather data and develop parish profile, delays due to Christmas and Easter seasons, etc. Therefore, flexibility is essential. Avoid establishing arbitrary deadlines or expectations. The "average" time from the departure of a rector to the calling of a new rector is 12 to 18 months.

The process works best when the roles and responsibilities of Vestry, Interim/Priest-in-Charge, Bishop and Search Team are understood and clearly and consistently communicated to the congregation. The entire congregation should actively participate in the search process, but the Search Team and Vestry should maintain complete confidentiality regarding specific candidates.

The rector will be a member of the Diocese, a partner in ministry with the Bishop. Once the new rector has been called, at the Celebration of New Ministry, gifts will be presented and the Bishop will address the new rector saying "Let all these be signs of the ministry that is yours and mine in this place."

On behalf of the Bishop, the Rev. Canon Mary Sulerud works with clergy and congregations on all aspects of the process. Clarity about the process is essential to assure it works effectively for the Vestry, Search Team, parish members, candidates and diocesan staff. The guidelines that follow outline the process of calling a new rector in the Diocese of Washington. Additional resources are available from the Rev. Mary Sulerud, Canon for Deployment and Ordination. She can be reached at 202/537-6531 or msulerud@edow.org or fax 202/537-6563.

SEARCH PROCESS DOCUMENT

The search process document is in the process of being revised. Please contact the Rev. Mary Sulerud, Canon for Deployment and Ordination, at 202/537-6531 or msulerud@edow.org with any questions.