Rector Search - Trinity Episcopal Church

As we embark upon our quest for a new spiritual leader, we welcome the guidance provided by Rev. Canon Dena Cleaver-Bartholomew from the Bishop’s Office. Our Vestry is working with Canon Dena to navigate the process and has prayerfully created dedicated teams of Parishioners to fulfill the tasks included in our timeline below. If you have any questions, please contact a Vestry member or email the Senior Warden.

During this time of transition, we pray that our Parish community will continue to lovingly support each other, appreciate the gifts God has given us, and thrive in our faith.

Timeline

Where We Are

Profile Team finalizes our Parish Profile

Once our Profile Team finalizes our Parish Profile, they will submit it for approvals, first by our Vestry, then by Canon Dena. She will submit it for approval by Bishop Knisley.
Meet the Members of our Profile Team

What We’ve Accomplished to Date

Communications Team	The Communications Team has laid out a plan and is working with the Website Team to keep everyone informed via Trinity’s website, Trinity’s weekly Tidings email, our Facebook page and in-person announcements.
May 12th The Prayer Team	The Prayer Team wrote our Prayer and submitted it to the Vestry for their approval. One minor change later, and we now have our Prayer for a New Rector and a Children’s Prayer. The Prayer Team will also say this prayer daily (as we are all encouraged to do) and also pray for the people of our church and for all those engaged in the search/discernment process. We will let you know when printed prayer cards will be available in the back of the Church. You may also download and print a copy here: Download Printable Prayer Cards
May 4th All-Parish Meeting	Congregational History Canon Dena skillfully culled from our collective memories a timeline of leaders of our Parish, many details of the strengths and weaknesses of our past rectors, while recognizing the challenges they may have faced. Some patterns were identified which will assist in our May 18th Congregational Conversation Meeting
Key Roles Filled	Our Vestry prayerfully invited members of our Congregation to fill key roles during our Search for a new Rector Prayer Team to compose a prayer that our entire Parish can regularly pray whenever gathered together and also individually. Communications Team to clearly relay information from our Wardens, Vestry and Canon Dena, with the congregation throughout the process, including the search process, candidate selection, and welcome of the new rector. Profile Team to compile our Parish Profile, which will be used to market Trinity to potential candidates during our national search process. Their work is expected to reflect who we are as a parish, what we hope for in a rector, our beautiful campus, sound financial health, and where we need assistance to grow into our baptismal covenant. Search Committee of 5 to 6 people who represent a cross-section of Trinity’s membership and ministries to review and interview applicants, then make a final recommendation to the Vestry.
March 30th All-Parish Meeting	In a Town-Hall style meeting, Canon Dena reviewed with us the search process for our new Rector and patiently answered our questions.
Initial Vestry Meeting w/ Canon Dena	Canon Dena opened communication with our Senior Warden and Vestry about the search process, and will provide guidance and support throughout the transition process.
May 18th All-Parish Meeting	Congregational Conversation Questions: Canon Dena will lead us in small groups as we identify the qualifications we are looking for in our new rector. This information will answer the twelve narrative questions of the Office of Transition Ministry portfolio.

What is Coming Next?

Parish Profile Posted	Canon Dena will post our Parish Profile to the Office of Transition Ministry (OTM) Website and other venues whichwill invite interested priests to learn more about us. The profile is typically listed for six to eight weeks.
Search Team Develops Interview Questions	Our Search Team will compile a set of questions to use during the interview process.
Receipt of Candidates an Interviews	The Canon vets applicants and forwards viable candidate information to our Search Committee.
Search Team begins Interviews	Upon receiving the applicant information from the Canon, the search team will meet, pray, and determine whom to invite for an initial on-line interview. Once interviewed, the Search Team thanks all and graciously declines those who are not a match. Those who may be a match may be invited to a second online interview OR an in person interview, depending on the number of candidates and the strength of the potential match. In person interviews are usually limited to 3-4 candidates. This process often takes six to nine months.
Recommendation to the Vestry & Approval	If the in-person interview includes the Search Team and Vestry, prayerful discernment may be made following those interviews. While visiting in-person, each final candidate must meet individually with the Bishop. Once the Vestry has prayed and voted, a call may be extended to the candidate. If the candidate accepts the call, a Letter of Agreement is negotiated, which must be signed by the Bishop before the announcement of a call is made. Much rejoicing!
Formation of the Transition Team	A small team will be selected to prepare for and welcome the new priest, who may be moving and need information and support in that process, along with a warm welcome
Announcement to the Congregation	Once the Candidate accepts the call and the Bishop signs the Letter of Agreement, the new Rector will be announced to the Congregation.
Transition Team	The Transition Team will assist our new Rector and help them acclimate to our Parish.