Remember, we are all involved!

On Calling a Pastor – Remember! We are all involved
During the time of transition between pastors, we at the First Presbyterian Church of Covington are engaged in a spiritual discernment. This process as you know, is to discover a call to ministry for a new pastor. The goal is to determine what God wants the church to be and do in the next phase of the congregation’s life. This task involves all the participants in this our Body of Christ.

• The Presbytery is our companion in the search process, often through someone who will serve as our liaison. The presbytery will also assist us with mission study if needed, as a way to discern the ministry direction in which God is leading us.
• Our Moderator and Session provide us with a positive and reassuring tone during the complete pastoral search process. This includes assisting the congregation in coping with the departure of the pastor, carrying on with the ministry of the congregation, and preparing the way to the next stage of the congregation’s life.
• Our Interim Pastor is temporary, but is one who has special expertise and training in working with congregations in the midst of a pastoral transition, and provides leadership during the congregation’s search for the next pastor.
• The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC), represents the whole congregation and is elected by the congregation. The PNC has the ultimate responsibility for nominating a minister to the congregation for election as the next pastor. Over a number of months, the PNC will journey through the pastoral search process, seeking to hear the call of Christ and “to participate in God’s own choice” for your next pastor.
• The responsibilities of the Congregation, are no less important than those of the other participants in the pastoral call process. These responsibilities include continuous support for the ministry of the church through prayer, participation, and financial support during the entire period of pastoral transition.

Once this becomes clear, the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC), in consultation with the presbytery, will press ahead with the discernment process of discovering the candidate who God is calling to be the pastor in this next chapter of the congregation’s life and ministry.

May the Good Lord continue to guide us.