Interim Process - December, 2011

Parish Interim Team  (PIT)

The Parish Interim Team is charged to guide the congregation through the five-step Interim Process, defined as:

1. Coming to terms with our history

2. Discovering a new identity

3. Allowing needed leadership to emerge

4. Renewing denominational linkages

5. Committing to new directions in ministry

This process began in late summer and will continue through the calling of a new Minister.

An important result of the Interim Process is to come to a new discovery of who we are as a parish.  What makes us unique? How will we relate to wider communities we are a part of?  What are the important aspects of our work in the world?  How do we educate our children and our adults?  How do we care for each other?  What do we celebrate and how do we do that?  What other questions do we need to ask?

In order to accomplish our work, the PIT and MSC working together will solicit input from all corners of the congregation.  There are always those voices that come to parish-wide meetings.  We will be seeking to meet with groups where we might find new voices:  committees, interest groups, covenant groups, for example.  We will meet at different times of the day and various days of the week.  If no announced meeting time is good for you, contact us and we will find a way to include your voice.

The Appreciative Inquiry process was used to gather information in 2010.  We intend to build on that strong foundation by expanding the forums and digging deeper into the desires and dreams of First Parish in Concord.  A congregation-wide retreat will be scheduled as a culmination of this work so we can come to a clear mission founded on a consensual understanding of our vision.

Ministerial Search Committee (MSC)

In preparation for the ministerial search, the MSC will conduct a parish-wide survey to gather information for prospective candidates.  The data gathered will be evaluated with the 2010 survey to uncover any trends and changes that may be apparent. 

Once the discovery work of the Interim Process is done, the Standing Committee will use it to charge the MSC with identifying appropriate ministerial candidates. 

The MSC will produce a packet describing First Parish in Concord. The packet will present a detailed portrait of First Parish and, among other things, will include information about our programs and staff, the history of First Parish and the community, draft compensation agreement, who we are as a congregation and what we hope for in our next minister. Interested candidates will submit their packets to the MSC.  Then the MSC will begin its selection process.

At the conclusion of the selection process, the MSC will propose to the congregation the candidate they feel will best lead us in our vision. 

PIT and MSC Together

During the next two years, the PIT and MSC will be working closely together.  Our common objective is to listen to what you have to say and to be transparent in all of our communications – with each other and with the Parish.  It is important that we build and sustain relationships with as many parishioners as we can because, in the end, our work is dependent upon your thoughts and support.  And after all the long, hard work is done, we will have a new minister to walk with us as we pursue our dream into the next generation.