PastorPIF

Thoughts & questions by a call-seeker navigating the PC(USA) call process - the 14th iteration of this online dating for pastors.

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

First thing you might want to consider writing in this process (after uploading a dossier) is the letter you’ll send to the congregation announcing you’re dissolution of pastoral relationship. The process moves quickly once it’s nearing completion.

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

Narrowing in on a call...prayers appreciated for clarity in discernment.

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

It’s fun to watch how PNC members interact with one another in an interview.

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

In person visits are an integral part of the process. I wonder if PNCs get “nervous” like clergy?

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

God has funny sense humor - prayed the other night for clarity and discernment then a few more committees reach out to discuss possibilities - & - I got no idea how they got my resume...more to come...

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

Interesting things unfolding. Moving into some late stage conversations - the “difficulty” is you develop fondness for committees and think about ministry possibilities, knowing you’ll need to tell some you’re called in another direction - discernment isn’t for the faint hearted.

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

Discernment is a process. Whether you like the phrase or not this whole thing is about “trusting the process” - it’s also about being authentic and transparent in our conversations.

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

Seems like lots of candidates and committees were uploading forms over break.

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

The call process feels a bit like see-sawing between candidate and church taking turns convincing each other how they will work well together.

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

Navigating a call process amid Advent and Christmas was a tad more stress inducing than I had thought it would be. Good news is Jesus still arrived and hope is born anew.

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

Blessings to you all on this Thanksgiving Day!

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

Blessed Christ the King Sunday to you and your worshipping communities.

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

One must become comfortable with different variations on the phrase, "We've decided to go in a different direction." Keeping in mind it is difficult to write or read those words.

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

If the blue bird dissolves...it’s been a good run 😂.

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

Greetings & Salutations good people. I'm the 14th iteration of PastorPIF. I hope this finds you well & hopeful in this season of gratitude & thanksgiving. I'm grateful to PastorPIF 13 who helped with the transition & look forward to walking the journey with you all. More to come.

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

One last thing: if you think you know who I am, please feel free to send a DM to my personal account. I’m happy to confirm my identity privately. #PastorPif13 signing off.

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

Hi everyone, a new person has agreed to take up the mask. Since I am staying where I am, I’m choosing to remain anonymous. I also think that’s a little fitting for #PastorPif13

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

For now though, if you see a cishet bearded white male nodding to you from across the room at a presbytery meeting, just know that it might be me. Peace be with you all!

[PastorPIF @PastorPIF]

@bbenzington I suppose “biblical” will just have to remain a sacred mystery then…

And sure. Send a PM to my real account and I’ll confirm 😅