Pastoral Search Process

As overseen by the Elders and the Pastoral Search Committee, our pastoral search process has three phases with the congregation serving in a vital role:

+ PHASE ONE: SEARCH COMMITTEE

After much prayer and discussion, the Elders choose the following pastoral search committee members based upon several criteria—including a representative cross-section of the congregation in terms of age, gender, and race/ethnic identity:

The search committee’s work includes the following:

  1. generate a diverse and qualified pool of candidates by:
    1. conducting an internal evaluation of church family members;
    2. networking with like-minded churches; and
    3. implementing nationwide search tools
  2. review resumes and applications.
  3. conduct interviews and reference checks.
  4. provide the Elder Council with a portfolio on the top two to five candidates.

+ PHASE TWO: ELDER COUNCIL
The second phase of the search process provides an opportunity for the Elder Council (EC) to prayerfully evaluate the candidates recommended by the search committee. In this phase, the EC will:

  • review the portfolio of each proceeding candidate,
  • conduct interviews and reference checks,
  • perform a site visit including in-person interviews and reference checks, and
  • provide the congregation with a portfolio for the top candidate.

+ PHASE THREE: CONGREGATION
After the final candidate passes through the vetting process of the search committee (Phase One) and the Elder Council (Phase Two), he will be presented to the church membership. During this time, the congregation will:

  • prayerfully consider the portfolio provided by the Elder Council,
  • meet with the candidate over several venues during a candidate weekend, and
  • vote to affirm/not affirm this candidate.

 VIEW UPDATES ON OUR BLOG

Current Pastoral Searches

Associate Pastor, Biblical Community

Search Committee: 2019-2020: Matthew D., Matt Gibert, Rachael G., Valerie L., Tom Oostdyk, Dave R., Johanna R., Justin V., Carrie W., and Kristina W. 2020-2021: Matthew D., Matt Gibert, Bob Glahn, Rachael G., Valerie L., Jessica M., Tom Oostdyk, and Kristina W.
Contact: bcsc@cherrydale.org

Job Description

Associate Pastor, Missions, Outreach, and Church Planting

Search Committee: Janine Buser, Andrea Carpenter, Chris Downer, Hanan Foley, John Glisson, Ed Grudier (non-voting), Pam Hodge, Alphonse Mehany, Tom Oostdyk, Bart Taylor, Steve H. King
Contact: info@cherrydale.org

Job Description

Pastoral Search Status

POSITION

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3
Associate Pastor, Biblical Community Began December 2019 Began December 2020 Began March 2021
Associate Pastor, Missions, Outreach, and Church Planting Began January 2021