August 18, 2009

   The search committee is continuing to talk with a man who is interested in exploring whether God is calling us to partner together to do His work here. Our mutual interest in coming together in a working relationship has lead the search committee to invite this man to the area for an interview. This visit also allowed the prospective candidate to tour the area and look at the real estate, meet with some school officials and check out the community.

May 31, 2009

   The search committee is moving into phase three of our overall plan, the search for a candidate. We've contacted Frosty Hansen - GGF president and Ken Kemper - GBC president with a request for a list of men they could recommend as potential candidates. At the committee's request, Pastor Pete has also recommended several men for our consideration We've also asked for referrals from the congregation.

   We've received the names of 21 men. We're gathering basic information on each man from outside sources to help us with an initial screening. We were fortunate to be able to meet with Ken Kemper on May 23rd, and discuss his views on the men under consideration.

   The search committee met with Frosty Hansen on May 26th to discuss his views on the potential candidates.

    We'll be contacting the men who pass the initial screening to see if they're interested in being considered for the senior pastor position.

May 3, 2009

   The search committee has developed a pastoral job description. This completes phase two of our overall plan of action. The completed job description is available on the information table in the foyer.

   We're now starting the actual search for a new leader. The search committee encourages members of the congregation to submit names of potential pastoral candidates for their review. There are forms available on the bulletin board by the office. Please fill out this form if you have someone you would like to recommend. Give the completed form to a committee member. Verbal recommendations and names without contact information cannot be considered.

   Please keep in mind the scriptural guidelines found in 1 Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-3. Also, the proposed candidate must have experience in ministry, a degree in divinity, and must hold the dispensational view of the scriptures.

   Please don't contact these men directly. Great harm could be done to the relationship with his present congregation if they knew he was considering a move. The search committee will confidentially contact those men who fit the profile we've developed.

    We ask that you continue to pray for the search committee, the church, the Board of Directors, and the man who God is preparing to lead this church.

March 22, 2009

   The survey results are ready. The summary is available at the information table.

   The Senior Pastor compensation package is almost complete. We're still researching the feasibility of including health care coverage and retirement coverage.

   We've started writing the Senior Pastor job description. Several sample job descriptions were obtained from Frosty Hansen. These are being used as a starting point.

   A comprehensive congregational profile is being compiled. This will be sent to potential candidates as a means of telling them about Grace Bible Church. It will include a church history, our mission, vision and purpose statements, brief descriptions of the various church ministries, the leadership structure, and a description of who we are as a church and where we are going.

   With the resignation of two members for personal reasons unrelated to the search committee, the Board and search committee felt the need to have more female representation. Michele Sauer has accepted the invitation to be a part of the search committee.