Call Committee Update

Central Lutheran Church
Senior Pastor Call Committee
December 4, 2005 Update

Today’s Call Committee update may be a little longer than usual as we have something unique we would like to share with you. The committee continues to make good progress in the search for our next senior pastor. The format for interviewing candidates has been largely set. The interview questions are nearing completion. The candidate pool is being separated into those who really want to be considered for our senior pastor position and those who are not interested at this point. This week we well meet with two personnel firms. They both have experience in assisting congregations in selecting pastors. We will decide on one of the firms to provide evaluations of each of the final candidates. We have received responses to the ads that were placed in the Christian Century and The Lutheran magazines. We have prepared a written exercise that each candidate must complete. We have met with Bishop Johnson again to acquire more details about individual candidates.

At this time, I would publicly like to thank all those individuals who have helped us or are continuing to assist us in moving the call process forward. Without your willingness to give us your time and talents, our job would be much more difficult. In closing, the Call Committee, in an unprecedented move, would like to share with you today some of the information we have assembled on suggested candidates for senior pastor. We will only share first names to provide some privacy for these individuals. 

Amos: too much county experience; somewhat backward and unpolished. With additional seminary training, he might have promise; he has a hang-up against wealthy people.
Noah: former pastorate of 120 years with no converts. Prone to unrealistic building projects.
Moses: modest and meek man, but good communicator. Sometimes blows his stack and acts rashly in business meetings. Some say he left an earlier church over a murder charge.
Peter: too blue collar. Has a bad temper, even said to have cursed. He's a loose cannon.
Paul: powerful CEO-type and fascinating preacher. Short on tact, unforgiving with young ministers, harsh; has been known to preach all night.
John: (our most promising candidate) says he is a Baptist but doesn't dress like one; may be too Pentecostal – tends to lift both hands in the air to worship when he gets excited (you know, we limit to one hand); has a weird diet, provokes denominational leaders.

The Call Committee will continue its serious efforts in seeking the best senior pastor for Central. Continue to keep us in your prayers and thank you.

Jeff Elavsky, Chair
Senior Pastor Call Committee