Pastorial Search

Father God, we praise you for your wisdom, your sovereignty and your generosity. We thank you that you have been so faithful and good to our congregation for many decades–through transitions, celebrations and challenges.

We ask you to guide us in our search for a pastor. Give our search committee and our congregation wisdom, clarity and courage in this process of discernment.

May we know your heart and your mind and faithfully follow your will as we take the next right steps into this calling. We pray for each of us to listen to your voice and follow your lead. We pray for our congregation to be faithful in prayer, giving and participation in our life together.

We pray for our staff and church leadership as they navigate this season of change and transition. We love you and we trust you and we look forward to all you have for us and for your glory and honor.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

• Session shall appoint a Search Committee. The search committee will be comprised of 7 or 9 SonRise Christian Fellowship Members and will include at least one Ordained Elder and at least one Ordained Deacon. The committee should adequately reflect the diverse ministries of the church.  No staff members may serve on the Search Committee.
• The Search Committee shall research current methods of announcing the pastor or associate pastor opening to prospective candidates.
• The Committee will research and prepare an employment application. The application will include a request for a written Statement of Faith and a written Vision Statement for ministry.
• The Committee will report to the congregation and Session at least once a month on the progress of the search.
• The committee will consider multiple candidates.
• The committee will select a qualified candidate by reading the candidate’s resume and listening to or watching a recorded sermon. The candidate’s references will be contacted.
• The committee will then schedule interviews with the top qualified   The Committee will discuss important matters, such as the candidate’s conversion and call to ministry, motive for pastoring this church, positions on ministry, ministry training, present ministry, leadership style, and if applicable, the candidate’s family support for this ministry.
• After interviewing multiple candidates, the Search Committee will then elect one candidate to recommend to Session. If Sessions approves, the candidate will be put before the congregation.  If Session does not approve, the process will be returned to the Search Committee.
• Once a selected candidate is approved by Session, the Committee will schedule that candidate to come to church and preach. The candidate can then meet and interact with staff, volunteer ministry leaders and members of the church.
• The Church will then vote on the candidate as prescribed in the church bylaws.

SonRise Christian Fellowship | Senior Pastor Search Committee FAQ’s

Q: To where do I refer someone who wants to apply?
A: Please give that person the following link which will provide them all the information they need to apply https://sonrisefallbrook.com/pastorsearch

Q: How long will it take the selection committee to identify the new senior pastor?
A: There are many factors involved, but our expectation is that the search will take between 6 and 18 months. On March 31st we began to receive applications which the Search Committee is reviewing and will begin follow-up with qualified candidates on April 27th

Q: What process will the selection committee use to recommend a new senior pastor?
A: The process will include typical hiring steps, including job postings on a variety of websites, vetting of resumes, interviews with top candidates, and reference checks. The job will be posted widely, on general job sites like LinkedIn and ministry-specific job boards hosted by seminaries and church staffing sites. During this period, the search committee will meet regularly in prayer seeking unity and clarity at every step.

Q: What kind of candidate is the selection committee looking for?
A: Ultimately, we are looking to be led by the Spirit through a process of discernment about who God had called to our congregation. The congregation will play a role in developing a pastoral profile, as will Session (through its direction to the search committee), and the members of the search committee. The formal job description will provide more details by mid-March, but even then we anticipate candidates with a wide range of strengths and abilities, and they will be vetted using input from all aspects of the selection process.

Q: Once identified by the selection committee, how is the pastor approved by the congregation?
A: The selection committee will prayerfully receive applications and interview potential pastor candidates. Once the discernment and credentialing have been completed, the final candidate will be presented to the congregation to meet and hear preach before approval through a vote.

Q: How can I have input in the selection process?
A: There are many opportunities for congregants to participate, starting with the congregational meeting where the selection committee will provide a survey designed to help build a pastoral profile. In addition, an email account will be established for the search committee, and committee members will be available to listen to input during the process. Ultimately, the congregation will meet the candidate and vote on the committee’s recommendation.

Q: Did we consider hiring our administrative pastor or our family ministries pastor as the new senior pastor?
A: Session prayed about the selection process of a new senior pastor for more than a year. After seeking the Lord fervently, Session decided to call for a thorough search both inside and outside of our congregation for the pastor that the Lord has selected.

Q: Will there be an overlap of Pastor Jerome and the new pastor?
A: This has not been determined. Pastor Jerome, Session and the new pastor will work together to ensure a smooth transition so our next senior pastor is prepared for all parts of their position and can be properly introduced to our community.

Q: What will Session do during this season?
A: Session’s role in spiritual governance of the congregation is to monitor and measure the effectiveness of our purpose, which is to make disciples who are growing in love for God and others, and to listen to God and the voice of the congregation as they lead. Session will receive regular updates on the selection committee’s progress, and Session will call a Congregational Meeting when a candidate is identified. Session will recommend terms of call (salary and benefits) to the congregation for its approval.

Q: What will staff do during this season?
A: Pastor Jerome will continue to lead the staff in setting and implementing goals that help us be fully devoted followers of Jesus in our intergenerational, missional, and transformational worship life, in our service to each other and the world, and in our small groups. Current staff will continue serving alongside Jerome; staffing decisions remain under the authority of Session. During this transitional period, we believe God is at work and is helping us to build on a strong foundation for the next season of leadership.

Q: What will the congregation do during this season?
A: If SonRise Christian Fellowship is your church home, you can help us transition well to new leadership and a new season of ministry. Remain faithful in prayer for each other, staff, Jerome and Terri, Session, deacons, and the selection committee. Give financially with uncommon generosity. Attend congregational meetings and add your voice to our discernment and decision-making. Lead enthusiastically where God has called you to serve in the church and in the world. Gather consistently for worship and spend time alone with God to know his leading and comfort in times of transition. Ask questions of staff and Session (How can I pray? How can I help?) and stay up to date with communications from the selection committee, staff, and Session.