Some facts to keep in mind:
- An average Senior Pastor Search takes 18-24 months to complete for a church the size of New Hope in the United States.
- There are currently 35 vacancies for Senior Pastors within the EPC, as well as numerous EPC congregations with pastors nearing retirement age, so many churches are seeking to fill positions.
- Pastor Mike has withdrawn his name as a potential candidate for Senior Pastor but will remain in his present role as Associate Pastor, leading the staff and carrying out the vision for New Hope Church.
- The Pastoral Search Committee is compromised of the following members: Gayle Bundschu, Dan Ceilly, Bill Enslen, Duane Higgins, Kathy Orr, Betsy Sinke & Ken Walker(Chairperson).
Session also voted on the motion below and it was approved:
Upon motion duly made, seconded, and approved unanimously, it was resolved “That Session authorize the employment of a transitional pastor on a part-time, consultant, contract basis and that Session appoint a committee composed of the chairman of the personnel committee, the chairman of the pastor search committee and Pastor Mike Jones to recommend to Session a job description and a hiring process no later than the June Stated Session meeting."
This means that the plan is to move forward with the employment of a part time, transitional pastor to assist Pastor Mike with pastoral duties in the season before hiring a future Senior Pastor.
There will be further updates presented on Sunday, May 30 during both worship services by Ken Walker and Elder Jerry Elliott.
