Christ Community Church

Frequently Asked Questions
Click here to download FAQ's as a PDF

As the pastor search process enters into its latter stages, the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) recognizes there will be a heightened interest and awareness on the part of the congregation, and an increasing need for accurate communications. The following pages present answers to the most common questions that we have been asked about the search process, particularly regarding the steps involving approval of the candidate by the congregation.

What are some of the terms and abbreviations we should be familiar with?

PNC – Pastor Nominating Committee
The group of people elected by the congregation to search for the new pastor.
COM – Committee on Ministry
The Presbytery committee responsible for serving as pastor and counselor to the ministers of churches within the presbytery, and for facilitating the relations among congregations, ministers and the Presbytery.
CLC – Church Leadership Connection
The denomination’s website used for matching churches with potential candidates. It is like an eHarmony for the pastor search process.
CIF – Church Information Form
Provides information to prospective candidates regarding the responsibilities of and requirements for the pastoral position. It is similar to a job description in the business world.
PIF – Personal Information Form
Provides information about a prospective candidate. It is quite similar to a resume.
Mission Study
Provides information regarding the church, including its history, vision and purpose, current ministries, plans for the future, and challenges and opportunities the new pastor may face.
Call
An invitation extended by a church to a candidate to serve as that congregation’s pastor. In business terms, this is equivalent to a job offer.
Terms of Call
The details of the compensation to be provided to the new pastor, including base salary, housing allowance, vacation, study leave, etc. In business terms, this is a compensation package.

How was the pastor search process determined?
CCCM belongs to the Presbyterian Church USA. We are required to follow the process defined in the constitution (Book of Order) of the denomination. The process has been carefully crafted to minimize potential problems that can often occur during a search process. Although the process may seem somewhat restrictive or cumbersome, time has proven that following the process has a good chance of producing a successful result.

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