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Questions and Answers About the Rector Search

What is the Search Committee?

The Search Committee is a group of 11 members of St. Andrew's who were selected by the Vestry and are charged with managing the process of searching for our new rector.

Does the Search Committee choose the rector?

No, the Search Committee gives the Vestry a list of 3 candidates, all of whom have been approved by the Bishop of the Washington Diocese, and all of whom we believe would inspire and lead St. Andrew's as our rector. The Vestry makes the final selection.

Why do we need a new rector?

Our much-loved rector for the past nine years, The Rev. Karla Marie Woggon, was married in May, 2007 and accepted a call to Ascension parish in Hickory, NC.

Who is St. Andrew's priest in the interim?

We are blessed to have The Rev. Bruce McPherson as our Priest-in-Charge and The Rev. Luther Ziegler as priest associate. Luther, a former seminarian at St. Andrew's, was ordained to the priesthood on January 19, 2007. The Rev. Peter Antoci, Episcopal Chaplain of the University of Maryland is an important part of our clergy team, and celebrates the eucharist every Sunday evening at St. Andrew's.

What's involved in the search process?

The search process has 5 major steps:

• Preparation, which includes naming and organizing the Search Committee, hiring a consultant, and planning the process.
  
  
• Information Gathering, which includes surveying and meeting with as many parishioners as possible to get their input.
  
  
• Developing the Parish Profile, a detailed presentation of who we are now as a parish and our hopes for future mission.
  
  
• Disseminating the profile through the national church and preparing for how candidates will be evaluated, and
  
  
• Screening, interviewing and, finally, recommending 3 candidates for Vestry consideration.

High Level Time Line

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How long does the process take?

Most rector searches take between one and two years.

Why does the search process take so long?

Making sure that the parish profile is an accurate and thorough description of the parish, and that it reflects the wishes and hopes of all parishioners takes considerable time.  Screening and interviewing can also be time consuming, especially if the parish profile generates a lot of interest.

What role do other members of the congregation not on the Search Committee play in the process?

First of all, their ongoing prayers for the Search Committee and the success of the search process are vital. We also need all members of the congregation to contribute their thoughts and concerns regarding the future mission of St. Andrew's, and their opinions about the characteristics they most want our new rector to possess.

Can I share my views or concerns directly with the Search Committee?

Yes, please feel free to contact any member of the Search Committee directly. 

Search Committee Contact Information

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What does the Diocese of Washington do to help us with this process?

The Diocese and the National Church are both closely involved. The Diocesan Deployment Office (headed by The Rev. Mary Sulerud) has already helped us organize the Search Committee, identify a consultant, develop and post our survey online. The Bishop will review our parish profile and meet with all finalists after the DPO has conducted formal background checks. Our parish profile is posted on the national church website.

What is the parish profile?

The parish profile is a snapshot of who we are as a parish as of 2008, what our ministries are, what we hope to focus on in the future, and what we are looking for in the rector who will  lead and inspire us to do Christ's work in the world.

Why can't we just use the parish profile we wrote in 1999?

We're a different parish that we were in 1999. We have accomplished many of the goals set forth in that profile, including strengthening our relationship with the University of Maryland Campus Ministry, expanding our professional parish staff, and conducting a successful capital campaign.

How much does the search process cost?

The budget for the entire process is between $5,000 and $6,000. This includes costs related to the search consultant, producing and mailing the parish profile, putting on various congregational meetings, conducting background checks, visiting candidates, and having a limited number of candidates visit St. Andrew's.

Why does the Search Committee need a consultant?

Search consultants are skilled in group process and congregational dynamics. They work with the committee to plan and design the survey, conduct congregational meetings and focus groups, and design the interview process. St. Andrew's consultant, Bunty Ketcham, has had extensive experience helping parishes work through this process and serving as a link with the Diocesan Deployment Office.

What is the parish survey and why should I fill it out?

The survey results will give us a picture of the parish today, our ages, family make-up, where we live, what ministries we're active in, what goals or missions we want to have in the future, and what kind of person we want to have as our new rector. This information will be elaborated on and validated in various parish meetings, and the result will be the basis of our parish profile. Interested priests will use our profile to decide if their spiritual and operational goals are a match with ours.

How will the Search Committee evaluate the potential candidates?

We will review their resumes, ask them to answer a series of questions, and invite finalists to visit St. Andrew's for in-person interviews.

Why can't the congregation know who you're considering as our rector?

The success of the search process depends on the members of the Search Committee being absolutely candid with each other, and knowing that our comments will not be shared outside of the committee. For example, if a committee member expresses reservations about the individual who is finally selected as rector and this information is made public, the relationship between these two individuals, and even the rector's ability to enter the congregation without controversy could be compromised. Confidentiality is essential for the congregation to meet the new rector without any preconceptions or prejudice.

Mainaining Confidentiality in Search Committees

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