Recent Updates
Update Dec. 6, 2022
The committee now has a pool of applicants. We will thoroughly review the information that has already been submitted. While we will be discerning through the holidays, we will not meet in person. We will resume in-person meetings in January. Please continue to encourage interested candidates to submit their information via our website. Have a very blessed Christmas season!
The committee now has a pool of applicants. We will thoroughly review the information that has already been submitted. While we will be discerning through the holidays, we will not meet in person. We will resume in-person meetings in January. Please continue to encourage interested candidates to submit their information via our website. Have a very blessed Christmas season!
Update Nov. 22, 2024
The committee is actively reviewing candidates’ applications for the positions of co-pastor. We continue to receive applications and Pastor Discernment Profiles (PDPs). There are many currently in the process of discernment. Please continue to pray for our PNC and for the pastors God is calling to our church.
The committee is actively reviewing candidates’ applications for the positions of co-pastor. We continue to receive applications and Pastor Discernment Profiles (PDPs). There are many currently in the process of discernment. Please continue to pray for our PNC and for the pastors God is calling to our church.
Update Nov. 8, 2024
The PNC is finishing the process of evaluating the first round of candidates’ applications. To prepare for the next step, last night we finalized the questions that will be provided to those who proceed to the 2nd round of the process. At the same time, we will receive a second batch of new applications from the Church Leadership Connection (CLC), the job search database for PC(USA). We are excited about the interest in the posted co-pastor positions. We prayerfully consider each document received whether they are submitted via CLC, email or referrals. Thank you for your ongoing prayers for discernment.
The PNC is finishing the process of evaluating the first round of candidates’ applications. To prepare for the next step, last night we finalized the questions that will be provided to those who proceed to the 2nd round of the process. At the same time, we will receive a second batch of new applications from the Church Leadership Connection (CLC), the job search database for PC(USA). We are excited about the interest in the posted co-pastor positions. We prayerfully consider each document received whether they are submitted via CLC, email or referrals. Thank you for your ongoing prayers for discernment.
Update Oct. 30 2024
We are reviewing potential candidates. We are discerning which candidates are moving to the next step in our process. Please continue to pray for the PNC and this search process.
We are reviewing potential candidates. We are discerning which candidates are moving to the next step in our process. Please continue to pray for the PNC and this search process.
Update Oct. 10 2024
In our October 10 meeting, the PNC practiced reviewing 2 actual PDPs (pastor applications) for practice. These applications were for a different church’s job post that we obtained solely for practice. We still await a dump of matches from the Church Leadership Connection to our job posting. This practice allowed us to clarify our approach for initial evaluation of pastor applications when we have actual job candidates. This exercise helped us develop a process to filter candidates who would not be a good fit in terms of not being up to our identified standards.
SCPC members can know that as part of each application, the PNC will have access to each candidate’s:
Profile info
Formal education
Work experience
Service to the greater church
Statement of faith
Training and certifications
We will filter the information the candidates provide through our knowledge of our church’s needs and our job posting details. Some qualifications are inherent, like being an ordained minister. Others, like years of experience, will be considered as part of their overall PDP, as we want to cast a wide net in our MDP to avoid overlooking an otherwise highly-qualified candidate.
In our October 10 meeting, the PNC practiced reviewing 2 actual PDPs (pastor applications) for practice. These applications were for a different church’s job post that we obtained solely for practice. We still await a dump of matches from the Church Leadership Connection to our job posting. This practice allowed us to clarify our approach for initial evaluation of pastor applications when we have actual job candidates. This exercise helped us develop a process to filter candidates who would not be a good fit in terms of not being up to our identified standards.
SCPC members can know that as part of each application, the PNC will have access to each candidate’s:
Profile info
Formal education
Work experience
Service to the greater church
Statement of faith
Training and certifications
We will filter the information the candidates provide through our knowledge of our church’s needs and our job posting details. Some qualifications are inherent, like being an ordained minister. Others, like years of experience, will be considered as part of their overall PDP, as we want to cast a wide net in our MDP to avoid overlooking an otherwise highly-qualified candidate.
Update Oct. 6 2024
Bret Daniels and Sally Henry provided an update to both services on Sunday, Oct. 6. Key points were:
PNC has been meeting weekly since June 11
Have prepared the Ministry Discernment Profile (the job description for the co-pastors we seek)
The MDP will go into the database that PCUSA uses to match pastors with positions. This is like the Indeed.com for pastors.
There are 3 ways for the PNC to receive information from interested candidates:
They are matched with our job posting using the PCUSA database
They refer themselves by email, mail or via this website
They are referred by someone else, such as SCPC members. If you do this, please have a conversation with the candidate first.
Bret Daniels and Sally Henry provided an update to both services on Sunday, Oct. 6. Key points were:
PNC has been meeting weekly since June 11
Have prepared the Ministry Discernment Profile (the job description for the co-pastors we seek)
The MDP will go into the database that PCUSA uses to match pastors with positions. This is like the Indeed.com for pastors.
There are 3 ways for the PNC to receive information from interested candidates:
They are matched with our job posting using the PCUSA database
They refer themselves by email, mail or via this website
They are referred by someone else, such as SCPC members. If you do this, please have a conversation with the candidate first.
Update Oct. 4 2024
This Sunday, Oct. 6 members of the PNC will give an in-person update to the congregation at both services! We will also be available between services and after 2nd service in the Welcome tent.
This Sunday, Oct. 6 members of the PNC will give an in-person update to the congregation at both services! We will also be available between services and after 2nd service in the Welcome tent.
Update Sept. 27 2024
At last night’s meeting, the PNC celebrated completing the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) in time to submit to the Committee on Ministry (COM) for their consideration at their monthly meeting.
We have been invited by SCPres to provide an in-person update to the Congregation at the end of both services on October 6, and we look forward to this opportunity.
The PNC is not losing any momentum while waiting for COM feedback. We are working together to form our interview questions to have them ready. In the near future, we will be receiving Pastor Discernment Profiles (PDPs) in response to our MDP in the Church Leadership Connection (CLC). These acronyms are becoming second nature to us, and hopefully to you, too. Thank you for continuing to pray for the PNC and this process.
At last night’s meeting, the PNC celebrated completing the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) in time to submit to the Committee on Ministry (COM) for their consideration at their monthly meeting.
We have been invited by SCPres to provide an in-person update to the Congregation at the end of both services on October 6, and we look forward to this opportunity.
The PNC is not losing any momentum while waiting for COM feedback. We are working together to form our interview questions to have them ready. In the near future, we will be receiving Pastor Discernment Profiles (PDPs) in response to our MDP in the Church Leadership Connection (CLC). These acronyms are becoming second nature to us, and hopefully to you, too. Thank you for continuing to pray for the PNC and this process.
Update Sept. 20 2024
Thank you for checking out the PNC website! We are frequently updating this site and using this platform to respond to your Questions and Comments. Stay tuned for an upcoming PNC update at the end of a worship service by members of your Pastor Nominating Committee.
We met last night with the church’s leadership group of Ruling Elders, the Session. It was an engaging conversation between the PNC and Session, focused on the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP). As part of the process, the PNC provided the draft of our MDP to Session for comments. The comments from Session were then discussed in the regular weekly PNC meeting among the committee. The MDP is now being submitted to the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM) in time for their October meeting. Please pray for COM as they consider our church’s MDP. Once COM approves the MDP, we move forward in this process - and will post the MDP for you to see on this website!
Thank you for checking out the PNC website! We are frequently updating this site and using this platform to respond to your Questions and Comments. Stay tuned for an upcoming PNC update at the end of a worship service by members of your Pastor Nominating Committee.
We met last night with the church’s leadership group of Ruling Elders, the Session. It was an engaging conversation between the PNC and Session, focused on the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP). As part of the process, the PNC provided the draft of our MDP to Session for comments. The comments from Session were then discussed in the regular weekly PNC meeting among the committee. The MDP is now being submitted to the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM) in time for their October meeting. Please pray for COM as they consider our church’s MDP. Once COM approves the MDP, we move forward in this process - and will post the MDP for you to see on this website!
Update Sept. 12 2024
The members of the PNC finalized the ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) and will submit to Session for comment. Members of the PNC have invited all current Session members to attend the first hour of the next meeting. The goal of this combined group is to have healthy discussion among Church leaders in planning and preparing for future needs and leadership.
Following a suggestion by a PNC member who is also a Deacon, the committee is launching a Prayer Campaign for anyone who is interested in participating. Wherever you are on Friday mornings at 7 a.m., please spend a few minutes in prayer. Please pray for the PNC process. We know there is great power when we are all unified in seeking the Holy Spirit to speak to us.
The members of the PNC finalized the ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) and will submit to Session for comment. Members of the PNC have invited all current Session members to attend the first hour of the next meeting. The goal of this combined group is to have healthy discussion among Church leaders in planning and preparing for future needs and leadership.
Following a suggestion by a PNC member who is also a Deacon, the committee is launching a Prayer Campaign for anyone who is interested in participating. Wherever you are on Friday mornings at 7 a.m., please spend a few minutes in prayer. Please pray for the PNC process. We know there is great power when we are all unified in seeking the Holy Spirit to speak to us.
Update: Aug. 30, 2024
The PNC is 3/4 of the way done with the draft of the Mission Discernment Profile (MDP), the document that will describe the role of the co-pastors we seek. Once the draft is complete, it will go to SCPC Session for feedback before being submitted to the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM) which meets at the end of September. Therefore, we anticipate our MDP to be ready by early to mid-October. Once it is finalized, approved and uploaded on the Church Leadership Connection (CLC) for candidates to view, we will also post the document on this website for congregants to see.
Please continue to look for the QR code in the weekly church bulletins. It will take you directly to this page which will be continually updated.
The PNC is 3/4 of the way done with the draft of the Mission Discernment Profile (MDP), the document that will describe the role of the co-pastors we seek. Once the draft is complete, it will go to SCPC Session for feedback before being submitted to the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM) which meets at the end of September. Therefore, we anticipate our MDP to be ready by early to mid-October. Once it is finalized, approved and uploaded on the Church Leadership Connection (CLC) for candidates to view, we will also post the document on this website for congregants to see.
Please continue to look for the QR code in the weekly church bulletins. It will take you directly to this page which will be continually updated.
Update: Aug. 1 & 8, 2024
The PNC continues to meet on Thursday evenings to pursue our task of discerning God’s will for SCPC leadership. We regularly update this website to help the congregation stay informed and to respond to Questions and Comments.
In our first two August meetings, the Pastor Nominating Committee (“The PNC”) is working diligently and prayerfully on drafting the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) - an online form that is essentially the job description that will be posted on the Church Leadership Connection (CLC) database for potential co-pastor candidates. We continue to receive expert guidance from our Los Ranchos Presbytery (“Presbytery”) Committee on Ministry (COM) liaison who is highly experienced with the pastor search process.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers!
The PNC continues to meet on Thursday evenings to pursue our task of discerning God’s will for SCPC leadership. We regularly update this website to help the congregation stay informed and to respond to Questions and Comments.
In our first two August meetings, the Pastor Nominating Committee (“The PNC”) is working diligently and prayerfully on drafting the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) - an online form that is essentially the job description that will be posted on the Church Leadership Connection (CLC) database for potential co-pastor candidates. We continue to receive expert guidance from our Los Ranchos Presbytery (“Presbytery”) Committee on Ministry (COM) liaison who is highly experienced with the pastor search process.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers!
Update: July 25, 2024
The PNC met again this week on our usual Thursday night. Our meeting included a discussion with a representative from Finance Committee for helpful perspective on compensation.
The PNC committee reviewed emails submitted through our newly launched website and will incorporate responses to your questions and comments on this website.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers!
The PNC met again this week on our usual Thursday night. Our meeting included a discussion with a representative from Finance Committee for helpful perspective on compensation.
The PNC committee reviewed emails submitted through our newly launched website and will incorporate responses to your questions and comments on this website.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers!
Update: July 18, 2024
The PNC met again this week on our usual Thursday night. Starting this week, we adopted the now-standing practice of beginning each meeting with a devotional which will be led by a committee member. The goal is to have our hearts and our minds properly focused on His will.
We’re also nearing the peak of vacation season and various members either are or will be spending time with their families in coming weeks. Nevertheless, those who are here and even those that can join over video conference continue to meet so that the committee can continue our work.
This week, we continued the process of completing the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP). Doing so correctly means a lot of up-front work, research, and even the need to contact various experts. That’s what we are and will continue to be doing for the next few weeks all so that we start off our search on the best foot possible.
We’e also excited that we had our first update featured in the Weekly Rhythm this week. Now that you know the best way to reach us, we look forward to your questions, comments, and referrals!
Thank you for your support and prayers!
The PNC met again this week on our usual Thursday night. Starting this week, we adopted the now-standing practice of beginning each meeting with a devotional which will be led by a committee member. The goal is to have our hearts and our minds properly focused on His will.
We’re also nearing the peak of vacation season and various members either are or will be spending time with their families in coming weeks. Nevertheless, those who are here and even those that can join over video conference continue to meet so that the committee can continue our work.
This week, we continued the process of completing the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP). Doing so correctly means a lot of up-front work, research, and even the need to contact various experts. That’s what we are and will continue to be doing for the next few weeks all so that we start off our search on the best foot possible.
We’e also excited that we had our first update featured in the Weekly Rhythm this week. Now that you know the best way to reach us, we look forward to your questions, comments, and referrals!
Thank you for your support and prayers!
Update: July 12, 2024
The PNC met last night to continue discussions on writing the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) that will be used to call our next Co-Pastors.
This document outlines the values, mission, vision, and character of our church. It is a crucial piece of the PNC process, and is the first impression of our church that prospective pastoral candidates receive.
We also discussed our plans for transparency in communication to the members of the congregation. The best way to stay in touch with us is through our website scprespnc.org. You can check our progress, submit questions, and even pass along a referral!
We know that God has already selected the perfect candidates, and we ask for prayers as we work to discern His will.
The PNC met last night to continue discussions on writing the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) that will be used to call our next Co-Pastors.
This document outlines the values, mission, vision, and character of our church. It is a crucial piece of the PNC process, and is the first impression of our church that prospective pastoral candidates receive.
We also discussed our plans for transparency in communication to the members of the congregation. The best way to stay in touch with us is through our website www.scprespnc.org. You can check our progress, submit questions, and even pass along a referral!
We know that God has already selected the perfect candidates, and we ask for prayers as we work to discern His will.
PNC Update
The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) has met to begin the process of seeking SC Pres' next called pastor(s). Rev. Jim Szeyller from Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church, the PNC Liaison to Presbytery, has led 5 successful PNC searches…
The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) has met to begin the process of seeking SC Pres' next called pastor(s). Rev. Jim Szeyller from Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church, the PNC Liaison to Presbytery, has led 5 successful PNC searches.
At the June 30 Congregational meeting, the 11 members of the PNC were tasked with pursuing a copastor model of church leadership.
The committee is currently working on creating Ministry Discernment Profiles (MDPs) and job descriptions to meet SCPC's needs as defined by the thorough Mission Study. The Mission Study incorporated extensive input from all church constituents and is foundational to the PNC's work.
Stay tuned for a webpage that will be an ongoing source of updates on the process which is expected to take many months. Please pray for continued discernment of Christ's will.
Congregational Meeting & PNC Kick-Off
On June 30, the San Clemente Presbyterian Church Congregation voted to adopt a new “Co-Pastor” model and subsequently charged the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) to begin their work…
On June 30, the San Clemente Presbyterian Church Congregation voted to adopt a new “Co-Pastor” model and subsequently charged the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) to begin their work.
The meeting featured spirited yet well intended debate both for and against the change to the Co-Pastor model. We’ve since heard that some of the congregation left the meeting feeling uneasy given the intensity of the conversation. The PNC, however, has come to see that conversation as a blessing! That meeting provided forum for all points of view to be heard – publicly and transparently – and for the selection of the Co-Pastor model to be decided in an equally open manner.
The PNC is called to demonstrate the same type of transparency. While much of the process must remain confidential, it is our intention to operate out in the open and to share as much information as we can with the congregation as we go.
We understand the responsibility that we have been trusted with and are humbled by it. Your continued prayers are welcome.