Update from the PNC

Dear Fellow Member of First Presbyterian Church -

Greetings from the Pastor Nominating Committee!

In the couple of months since our last update, the PNC has been hard at work seeking referrals for potential pastors from seminary presidents, a wide variety of pastors across larger churches in the denomination, and dozens of others with connections to possible candidates and familiarity with our congregation. Our committee members have listened to and watched hundreds of sermons and worship services online, and that work continues at full speed. We are working to create a relatively short list of viable candidates with whom we might engage in conversation more seriously. Thankfully at the same time, most churches are moving into various stages of reopening for in-person worship, so we will be traveling over the next several months to visit pastors and churches “live.” This process of discernment is a two-way street, as the PNC works to discern which persons to whom God may lead us to choose as the best leader for our congregation, and potential candidates work to determine if the Holy Spirit may be moving them toward openness to a new call in a new location. This process is slow and deliberate, and must necessarily be undertaken in the highest confidentiality.

Our list of potential candidates is almost certainly not complete, so we welcome suggestions of names of pastors with whom you in our congregation may be familiar. You may communicate with the PNC by visiting the following link: (fpcspartanburg.org/pnc). We also wish to strongly encourage you to engage and remain actively engaged in the ongoing life of our church by attending worship services, participating in the mission and outreach of the church, and sustaining your ongoing financial support of current operations as well as planning to commit generously for 2022 as our Stewardship Committee prepares its effort in the upcoming months. Prospective pastors with whom we may be in conversation are regularly watching our livestreamed worship services, visiting the church website, and talking to folks around the denomination who know us. We need for them to see and realize that we are a congregation alive with love for God and our fellow citizens, that we love and support our church and its pastors, and that we will be a welcoming home for the next Senior Pastor.

We covet your prayers and urge your continued patience as we move into the next phases of this search process. Blessings and peace to you all!

Pastor Nominating Committee
David Beacham, Chair; Harriet Ike; Bert Barre; Whit Kennedy; Randall Chambers; Craig Kocisko; Molly Colbath; Carter Smith; Suzy Cole