Looking Ahead

As we get closer to Rev. Nancy’s retirement, I wanted to provide an overview of how the transition and rector search process works in the Episcopal Church. Understanding each stage can help our congregation know what to expect and how we all play a role in this important period of change.

The typical Episcopal rector search process is collaborative, prayerful, and thoughtful, designed to help a parish find the priest best suited to its unique needs. It’s important to note that while the diocese provides guidance and support, the final hiring decision rests with the parish vestry, guided by the Holy Spirit, not the diocese.

What Happens After the Rector’s Last Day

After Nancy’s final service on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Sunday services will be led by a supply priest until an interim rector is appointed by the vestry. During this period, Fr. Jim Bernacki and Rev. Vern Cahoon will assist with pastoral care and some services.

When the interim rector arrives, they will step in to provide stability, pastoral care, and leadership for the congregation. The interim’s role is critical – in addition to leading worship and supporting parish life, the interim helps the congregation reflect on its history, heal, clarify its identity, and strengthen its ministries. This “interim work” focuses on preparing the parish for the next chapter by helping us understand where God is calling us and who God is calling us to be and is an essential prelude to the formal search process. What is “interim work”? Click here.

Key Steps in the Rector Search Process

Congregational Meetings and Formation of Search Committee

· After the interim rector arrives, and with support from the Diocesan Transition Ministry Office, congregational meetings will be held to gather input for developing a parish profile, which describes the church, its vision, and the qualities sought in a new rector.

· Following these meetings, the vestry will appoint a search committee, which will be tasked with prayerfully discerning and identifying the priest whom God is calling to serve our parish.

· This committee will use the information from these meetings to create the parish profile and draft a job description for the next rector.

Posting the Position

· After review and approval from the vestry (and with some input from diocesan staff), the parish profile and rector job description are published nationally and on diocesan job boards.

· The diocese may perform an initial screening of applicants, verifying qualifications and background.

Candidate Review and Interviews

· The search committee reviews applications, interviews candidates, checks references, and may visit prospective rectors’ parishes or invite them for in-person visits.

· Through discernment and deliberation, the committee narrows the field to a small group of finalists.

Recommendation and Vestry Decision

· The search committee typically presents one or more recommended candidates to the vestry.

· The vestry interviews the finalists and, guided by the holy spirit, discerns the best fit, then votes to extend a call (job offer) to the chosen priest.

· The vestry notifies the bishop and seeks their approval, but the final hiring authority is the vestry, not the diocese.

Call and Transition

· Upon acceptance, a letter of agreement is negotiated between the new rector and the vestry.

· The new rector is welcomed and introduced to the parish as transition support continues.

This process ensures that both the congregation and candidates have opportunities for mutual discernment, supported by the diocese but driven locally by the search committee and vestry. While it may take time, it is designed to be thoughtful, prayerful, and Spirit-led.

And finally, as we journey together through this next phase, we will continue to worship, serve, and grow—trusting that God is shaping us for the exciting future ahead!

Beth Simpson, Sr. Warden