Pastoral Transition

We are grateful for Rev. Dr. John Seiders’ time of over six years with us, and look forward to installing the next Pastor God will call to lead our church. You can follow our step-by-step progress throughout this transition below:

The Process & Our Progress

  • Phase One: Anticipation of John Seider's Retirement

    ☑ Pastor announces departure and informs the Northern New England Presbytery’s Commission on Ministry (COM).

    ☑ COM instructs Session on process of transition.

    ☑ Session selects a Team for Interim Pastor Search (TIPS).

    ☑ Congregation celebrates Pastor John’s time at WPC on July 27.

  • Phase Two: Search for an Interim Pastor

    Expected to take 1 - 3 months.

    ☑ TIPS develops ministry description to post for interim candidates:

    ☑ Advertises

    ☐ Reviews applicants

    ☐ Selects a candidate

    ☐ Session and COM give advance approval of the TIPS’ actions.

  • Phase Three: Interim

    Expected durations of 6–15 Months

    ☐ Interim leads ongoing ministry and helps us to define who we are as a congregation.

    ☐ Mission Study is completed using congregational surveys.

    ☐ Session approves benefits package for next pastor.

    ☐ WPC Nominating Committee develops nominations to serve on the Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC).

    ☐ PNC begins organization work, and Session calls congregational meeting to elect PNC.

    ☐ COM approves organization of PNC.

    ☐ PNC prepares a Congregational Discernment Profile, and Session and COM approve.

    ☐ PNC advertises the position of WPC Pastor.

    ☐ The interview process begins: interviewing candidates over video and in person, listening to sermons, and conducting reference and background checks.

    ☐ PNC narrows the search to secondary interviews and checks.

    ☐ PNC selects a candidate and negotiates Terms of Call.

    ☐ COM interviews the candidate and gives approval.

  • Phase 4: A New Pastor

    ☐ Candidate preaches at worship.

    ☐ Congregational meeting and vote held to determine whether to accept the candidate, usually on the same day.

    ☐ WPC celebrates interim pastor.

    ☐ New pastor is installed.