Rector Search

July 29, 2022

The Search Committee has started to meet on a regular basis and has had an initial meeting with Canon Jason Roberson from the Bishop's office to outline the process for the search. As a reminder, the nature of a Search Committee is very confidential and we ask you to allow the committee privacy and space to conduct its important work. As general progress information becomes available, we will forward it on to you. 

July 12, 2022

On Sunday, our Search Committee was commissioned at the 10AM service. We are thrilled to have such a strong team of committed parishioners to guide us through the process of calling our next rector. The members are: 

• Peggy Greene, Committee Chair
• Mike Grashof, Committee Vice-Chair
• Beth Bohnsack
• Julie Brown
• Marcia Cassidy
• Dimitri Chimerakis
• Sandy English
• Patti Hamilton
• Kevin Johnson
• Meredith Smith
• Janice Thomas
• Bill Unger

On Sunday, July 10,  the Vestry met with Holy Cow! Consulting to review the results of the CAT Parish Survey followed by lengthy discussion. A narrative of the results, with insight from the consultant, will be presented to the Vestry and Search committees in August. An executive summary will be available to the parish after that. 

On Monday, July 18, the Search Committee will have an initial meeting with the Rev. Canon Jason Roberson, Canon Missioner for Congregational Vitality and Transition. The Committee is enthusiastic about commencing the process. Thank you, Lord!

July 2, 2022

The CAT survey is closed. We thank everyone who contributed to the effort of gaining insight into who we are and how we want to live into mission and vision.  The Vestry has been busy working on the selection of our Search Committee. The Search Committee will work independently along with our diocese to prepare Good Shepherd for calling our next rector. We expect to present and commission the full Search Committee on Sunday, July 10, at the 10:00 AM service. 

The next step is to receive the interpretation of the parish survey results. The Vestry will meet with Holy Cow! Consulting on Sunday, July 10, after church to review the summary results. From that information, we will create our profile and write the position description. This work will most likely happen for the remainder of the summer. The committee will be meeting with Canon Jason Roberson for continuing diocesan guidance and support throughout the process. If you have any questions about the search for our next rector, please let us know!

June 17, 2022 

The Vestry and Wardens are currently considering aspects of the Search Committee selection. Once the candidates are approved, there will be a commissioning of the Search Committee in church. The Finance Committee met today to develop recommendations for the Vestry regarding associated costs of the search process. The CAT (Congregational Assessment Tool) survey launched on Sunday at noon. We are striving for full participation in the survey because it will give us more accurate information from which we will develop a parish profile and craft a description for the Rector position. As of this week 103 people have taken the CAT. Have you?

Update May 24, 2022

We've received quite a few questions since Fr. Doug's big news. Here are some answers to those most frequently asked.

As you know, our Rector, Fr. Doug Scharf, has been elected to serve as Bishop Coadjutor in the Diocese of Southwest Florida. We are all very proud of Fr. Doug and excited for him and his family as they enter this next phase of their ministry. However, this will also mark the beginning of an important time of transition for Good Shepherd. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will the Bishop appoint an Interim Rector?

Based on the CAT survey results, the bishop and his staff will work with the vestry to determine the most effective and efficient way forward, including whether or not to appoint a formal Interim Rector. 

How long before a new Rector is called?

There are many variables that determine the length of a search process for a new Rector. However, given the overall health and stability of Good Shepherd, it is very possible that this particular search could be completed in 9-12 months. 

What can I do to help during this time of transition? 

The most important thing you can do is to pray for our vestry, staff, and volunteers during this time of change. It is also important that you continue to remain faithful in Sunday worship attendance, ministry participation, and financial support. The ministry of Good Shepherd is strong, and we will continue to live into our mission “to be a beacon of faith, hope, and love” in our community. 

As more information becomes available we will send it out to you and post it on our website. Let's be there for each other, our loving church family, throughout the process.