Preparing for Dr. Blair Monie's Retirement (June 2014)
PHPC staff and officers met with Alban Institute Senior Consultant, Susan Beaumont in late February. Susan consults with large churches to guide leadership in managing pastoral transitions. Susan helped the officers and staff prepare for their role in leading the congregation through the transition of Blair’s retirement in June 2014. The practice to not have an interim pastor is changing among large churches as a means of maintaining momentum. The staff and officers learned about common trends and expectations throughout transition in large churches, and they spent time talking with each other about hopes, concerns, and constants in PHPC’s current situation. Susan will be back to visit with the Session in May.
The Session is making plans to assist the PNC by developing a congregation-wide survey to assess member’s feelings about the programs and direction of the church and the gifts and focus they would like to see in our next Pastor.
Charting Our Progress
Tuesday, January 8: Rev. Dr. Blair Monie Announces his retirement in a letter to the congregation.
Sunday, February 3: Congregational meeting is held to act upon Blair's request to retire June 30, 2014.
February: Church Nominating Committee accepts and reviews nominations for the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC).
PHPC Session reviews, edits, and approves the church's Mission Study, which will be passed on to the PNC to guide them in their search process.
Sunday, March 3: The PNC slate is approved during a congregational meeting. The slate is: Sandy Brown, Judy Burnett, Emily Candee, Linda Humphries, Kevin Jackson, Mark Melson (chair), John Vernon (Staff Committee).
Next Steps
Spring 2014: PNC identifies new Pastor. Approval process begins with Grace Presbytery and PHPC.
