The Search and Call Committee met on Tuesday, October 14, for an initial training session with Conference Minister, Rev. Michael Denton. Rev. Denton described the process of seeking a pastor in the United Church of Christ. He emphasized that while a search process bears some similarity to a hiring process in a business setting, there are some important differences, and we should adjust our expectations accordingly. Unlike a business looking for a new employee, this search process involves prayer, reflection and spiritual discernment, and will result in a personal, covenantal relationship between the pastor and the congregation.

Thirteen churches in the Pacific Northwest Conference are in pastoral transition at this time. Twelve are on the west side of the state and one on the east side. Interestingly, Rev. Denton stated that only 4.8% of all UCC clergy are under 40 years old.

He shared a Ministerial Profile and gave advice on how to read and analyze the information there. The National UCC office conducts a Criminal Background Check on ministers before forwarding their Profiles to Conferences. Rev. Denton will send Profiles to the Committee when (a) the minister has requested him to do so or (b) the minister's Profile has "matchability" with this church.

Rev. Denton gave the Committee 40 Ministerial Profiles cautioning that some are probably not viable candidates for this church. He strongly emphasized the need for confidentiality of the Committee's deliberations and the names of ministers who have submitted Profiles. It is important, though, that the Committee continues to share its process and progress with the congregation.

The Committee met again on October 19 to select a Chair, a Vice Chair, Recording Secretary and Corresponding Secretary, confirm a meeting schedule, and begin structuring a method for reviewing Profiles.

Thank you to Kathy Scodeller and Bruce Camblin for providing a delicious supper.