Our Process
Pastoral Search
One of the most important transitions in the life of any church is when the church embarks on a search for their next pastor.
CBC Pastoral Search Process
STEP ONE
STEP ONE
Pre-Interview
Applicants interested in applying for the position of senior pastor will meet with the recruiter for a pre-interview
STEP TWO
STEP TWO
Application
Screened applicant submits an application, resume, doctrinal statement, and sermon video
STEP THREE
STEP THREE
Elders Review
Elders review submitted documents and video. If approved, a date is scheduled for the applicant’s first sermon before the congregation
STEP FOUR
STEP FOUR
First Sermon
The applicant presents his first sermon before the congregation
STEP FIVE
STEP FIVE
Elders Review
Following the applicant’s first sermon, the Elders will determine if the applicant should return for a second presentation. If approved, a date is scheduled for the applicant’s second sermon before the congregation
STEP SIX
STEP SIX
Second Sermon
The applicant will present his second sermon before the congregation. At the close of the morning service, the applicant will meet with the Elders for a series of questions about the applicant’s life experience, ministry qualifications, goals, etc. This event and subsequent visits will be scheduled to coincide with the fellowship luncheon as often as possible.
STEP SEVEN
STEP SEVEN
Elders Review
Following this meeting, the Elders will contact references and previous ministries where the applicant has served. Based on the feedback from references/employers, the Elders will determine if the applicant will return for additional sermon/lecture presentations
STEP EIGHT
STEP EIGHT
Third Sermon
The applicant will be scheduled to present his third sermon before the congregation. The applicant will also be invited to share a testimonial of their family’s walk of faith during a combined adult/youth Sunday School class
STEP NINE
STEP NINE
Survey Preparation
Following this sermon, the Elders will determine if the congregational survey should be scheduled. If the decision is to proceed, then the survey will be scheduled following the applicant’s next sermon.
STEP TEN
STEP TEN
Fourth Sermon
The applicant will present his fourth sermon before the congregation. The applicant will also be invited to present a Sunday School lesson and/or evening lecture
STEP ELEVEN
STEP ELEVEN
Survey Disbursed to Congregation
Following this sermon, the Elders will disburse the survey via email to those on the CBC email list by the following Monday. Paper forms will be made available for those not on the email list following the next Sunday morning service. Survey submissions will be due no later than the evening of the same Sunday paper forms are made available
STEP TWELVE
STEP TWELVE
Elders Review
The survey submissions will be tabulated, then reviewed by the Elders. Based on the survey results, a determination will be made on whether the applicant will be offered a pastoral candidacy
STEP THIRTEEN
STEP THIRTEEN
Survey response follow-up
The Elders will engage with those individuals who voiced concerns in their survey responses to find common ground and perspective
STEP FOURTEEN
STEP FOURTEEN
Official Candidacy
The successful applicant will begin his time as our exclusive candidate for the position of senior pastor of CBC. The duration of the candidacy period will be determined between the candidate and the Elders
STEP FIFTEEN
STEP FIFTEEN
CBC Member Vote
At the close of the candidacy period, active CBC members will vote in consideration of offering the position of full-time senior pastor to the candidate
Once an applicant has been selected for candidacy:
- He would regularly visit to preach, teach, and meet with our current Pastor
- The Elders would maintain open communication with the individuals who express opinions and/or concerns about the candidate
- If by the end of the period, all signs are positive, a vote by the membership would be taken. The official calling requires a 75% approval rate or higher which is stipulated in our constitution
- If the vote is positive, then the Elders would extend to the candidate the call to begin his new role as our senior pastor
Do you have questions about this process or need more information? Drop us a note and we will follow up.
The information on this page is subject to change as the elders seek to refine the process and provide clear communication to the church as a whole.