Congregational Survey
Discerning Areas of Greatest Need for Ministerial Leadership
The list below is based on the requirements found in "Theological Foundations and Policies and Criteria for the Ordering of Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)". It is used for describing a minister’s areas of skill and expertise. It is expected that all ministers will demonstrate competency in each of these areas but will excel in some more than others. Part of the Search & Call process is discerning a good match between the skills of the pastor and the needs of the congregation. In light of where growth is desired and in discerning who God might be calling to be our new pastor, please indicate a rating using 1= #1 priority; 2= 2nd priority; 3=3rd priority; 4=4th priority. PLEASE ONLY SELECT 4 PRIORITIES (only 4 entries should be marked with a number 1-4)!
Rooted and grounded in scripture and able to interpret and apply the scriptures in ways that are appropriate to original and contemporary contexts
Able to practice the principles of good administration, planning and implementing short- and long-range goals to enhance Congregational life in collaboration with teams and committees.
Be an effective communicator and able to facilitate effective communication within and on behalf of the church.
Sensitive to the different manifestations of racism and prejudice in the culture and committed to confronting and overcoming them.
Exhibit a commitment to working with other Christians and denominations, and with other faiths, in programs of common witness and service – articulating the vision of the ecumenical and global church as a starting place for mission
Knows the foundations of Christian education and principles of leader development, and can demonstrate competency in teaching children, youth, and adults, including lay leaders and staff.
Able to help parishioners think critically about the relationship of their faith to issues of justice, ethics and morality.
Able to motivate congregational members to share their faith through word and action.
Understand and articulate the centrality of the call to mission given by Jesus Christ and the prophets, and can empower congregations to engage in mission from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth.
Able to engage other persons with empathy and assess situations and relationships with the compassion of Christ, with sensitivity to culture and context, and to convey the healing power of God to those who suffer.
Know the practice and theory of Christian preaching, and can proclaim the Word of God, share the Good News of Jesus Christ, and help congregational members apply their faith to daily life.
Establish and maintain spiritual disciplines that lead to personal growth and help others develop a rich spiritual life.
Able to develop and encourage healthy stewards who recognize and share generously God’s abundant gifts for all creation.
Able to articulate a coherent view of God’s nature and activity in relation to the Christian tradition, critically engage human situations from a perspective of faith, and help persons recognize theological issues in their daily lives.
Know and appreciate the history and thought of Christianity and the history, structure, practices, and ethos of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Know the purpose and elements of Christian worship, and can plan and lead meaningful worship by working with the worship team, musicians, and congregational members.
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Many congregations our size have hired part-time or bi-vocational ministers meaning that they have another part-time job in addition to serving as a minister. What are your thoughts -- positive and/or negative--- about the possibility of hiring a part-time minister at NC4? Note: No decision has been made to make the next NC4 pastor part-time .
Optional: Please include any comments regarding the 4 skills identified and/or how you identified them.
Thank you for your input!
