Pulpit Committee "Listening Sessions"

Dear City Church,

Since the Pulpit Committee was formed in November, we have spent our time getting organized as a committee and seeking to understand the entire process of searching for a new pastor.  (On Sunday we gave an update of what this process will look like.)  We are excited to announce the next step in the pastoral search process, which involves gathering information from you about our church and about the type of pastor we should be looking for.  One of the main ways we will be gathering information is by holding “Listening Sessions” throughout the month of February.

The Listening Sessions are designed to do exactly that—listen.  We want to listen to the congregation of City Church and we want to listen to the Holy Spirit. 

Our goal throughout the entire pastoral search process is to engage in the spiritual practice of discernment, and we believe that holding these Listening Sessions is foundational to discerning God’s direction for City Church.  For, as others have written, “The process of discernment invites us into the heart and life of the Triune God.  Decision-making can no longer be defined as doing what we think is best; it is now a search for the mind and will of God within a community of people with whom God has chosen to dwell.”*

In light of this, we view these Listening Sessions as a spiritual exercise.  We are sending out the questions in advance to give you time to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider each question.

These four questions will be posed at each Listening Session:

1. Who is City Church and why are you here?
2. What characteristics do you think are important in the new pastor? 
3. What should that person understand about City Church? 
4. What advice do you have for the Pulpit Committee?

We will hold 17 different Listening Sessions over the month of February, and most of them will be held in Neighborhood Groups.  Be on the lookout for information from your Neighborhood Group leader about when your Listening Session is scheduled.  If you are not in a Neighborhood Group or cannot attend your group, we will be holding an open Listening Session on Sunday, February 23 at 10am at the church office.

If you prefer you can also submit your responses via email.  Just email your responses to the above questions to ccenpc@gmail.com.  Once we receive your email we will send you a confirmation response.

It is our hope that each session would foster openness, honesty, and encouragement.  To that end, we have come up with the following guidelines:

• Speak for yourself, expressing your own thoughts and feelings. 
• Do not challenge what others say.
• Speak the truth in love.
• Value encouragement, grace, and the unity of the church.
• Avoid dwelling on the negative.
• Be mindful of the group and aim to be concise with your answers.

We are really looking forward to engaging in this process of listening and seeking the mind of Christ.  If you have questions about the Listening Sessions please email us at ccenpc@gmail.com.

In Christ,

Jon Hansen

Pulpit Committee Chair

Overview of the Pastor Search Process

Dear City Church,

Last night the Pulpit Committee shared an overview of the process of calling a new pastor and took some time for questions.  We wanted to be sure to share this information with those of you who were not in the service.  

You can click here for the CCEN Pastoral Search Process that was shared  This document lists the 8 different steps of the search process and provides a brief description of each step.  

Here is the video of the announcement and Q&A:

The audio of the announcement is available on the church website.

More details about the "Listening Sessions" that were discussed will be sent out later this week. 

Have a great week!

City Church Pastor Search Process