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| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
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| We hope that these Frequently Asked Questions will inform the congregation about the status of the search for a new rector, answer questions the congregation has for the Vestry and Search Committee, and ensure that the Search Committee receives the feedback it needs to do the best job possible. |
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| 1. How long will the process take? |
| The process will take as long as needed to do it well. We hope to call a new rector for Ascension in the late Spring 2012, who will relocate to our parish during the early summer. Concluding this process within twelve months of Father James’ departure in May 2010 is a very ambitious undertaking. |
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| 2. I know someone who might be a good candidate for rector, how
do I get them into the process for consideration? |
| The best job candidates often come
through personal references, so we encourage parishioners to give us
recommendations. Please en courage the candidate to apply directly to the
diocese by sending a resume/vita to Lou Blanchard (LBlanchard@coloradodiocese.org)
or contacting Walt Smith (wsmithdenver@gmail.com). All candidates must be
screened by the Diocese during the search process. |
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| 3. What is the job of the Search Committee? |
| The Search Committee, made up of a
representative group of people who reflect the Ascension community, evaluates
candidates who best fit the needs and spiritual character of Ascension. The
Committee's work is to assess the skills and abilities of the candidates based
both on their credentials and on our visits to the churches where the most
promising candidates now serve. The Search Committee will provide the Vestry
with a short list of two or three candidates for the Vestry’s consideration and
decision. |
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| 4. Who decides who will be called to be the next rector for Ascension? |
| The Vestry decides who will be
called to be the next rector. Then the Bishop makes the formal
"call." It is rare that
the Bishop will not "call" the candidate selected by the Vestry. |
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| 5. How will the Vestry make its decision? |
| The Vestry's job is to receive the
short list of candidates from the Search Committee and "discern"
which candidate fits the spiritual profile for next rector of Ascension. In its discernment, the Vestry will rely
deeply on an understanding of our parish’s qualities, aspirations, and
character as developed and articulated by the parish during the transition
period. Specifically, the Vestry will answer the question: "Can we and
this candidate together enter into a relationship with God, to be the people of
God, and fulfill our divine purpose?" The Vestry will discern God's call by reflecting, in God's
presence, on its experience of each of the candidates. |
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| 6. Who are the members of the
Search Committee? |
| Walt Smith is the Chair and also
the Vestry Representative. Others
appointed by the Vestry include: Betty Arkell,
Ann Collier, Hank Dougan, Ann Dykes, Jim Hautzinger, Stephanie Johnson, and Hazel Stevens
Price. |
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| 7. Can Father Bob DAVIDSON, our interim rector, be the new rector?
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| No, while the interim rector is
"called" to be the rector of the church during the time of transition
to a new permanent rector, the interim is not a candidate for permanent rector. |
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| 8. Why can’t the search process happen in two months or sooner? |
| A smooth transition from the tenure
of Father James, and departure of Father Tom, requires that we discern our
parish identity and who God calls us to become, and then assess and discern the
skills and personal qualities of possible candidates. This does take time, our
own and God's. We want to ensure that we do the best possible job, treat all
candidates with the respect they deserve, and find the best possible rector who
will be with Ascension for years to come. There are many pieces that must fall
into place to find the right rector for Ascension’s future and many pitfalls
that can occur if we move too rapidly. We are reminded that the best way to
risk prolonging our transition is to expedite and accelerate our search, as we could
find ourselves with a short-term rector and the challenging prospect of
re-conducting our search from a then-troubled parish community. |
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| 9. Will I have a chance to meet the candidates before the Vestry calls a new rector? |
| As soon as the short list of
candidates is narrowed down, the Search Committee will visit some of their home
parishes and invite the most promising candidates to Ascension for face-to-face
interviews. Included in these interviews may be opportunities for parishioners
to meet candidates. |
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| 10. How can I pray for this search and transition process? |
| Almighty God, giver of every good
gift, look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds
of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a
faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p.818) |
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