Report from the Call Committee

Most Frequently asked Questions and Answers!

‘What have you been doing?’

We have conducted interviews with candidates and visited churches in Minnesota.

‘When will we have a new pastor?’

We don’t know. The process still feels fluid.

‘What is the next step?’

There are additional churches to visit who are served by pastors we have interviewed. When those visits are complete, we move to the second and final interview. We asked and received preaching schedules for the remainder of the summer and into the fall. Creating more material about Normandale, arranging visits, and preparing for the final interview will require careful attention.

‘Why is it taking so long?’

You submitted names during the winter and early spring and I gave them to the Minneapolis Area Synod starting in early February as is the protocol. Out of your suggestions, a small group agreed to enter the call process. Those pastors complete extensive paper work which goes first to their bishop for review and then to our synod for similar processing. While we received the synod’s recommendations in late February, the papers originating from our own members’ recommendations did not begin to arrive until later in the spring with the last one arriving in mid-June. Interviews were scheduled after we reviewed mobility papers; scheduling usually required a month to fit into the pastors’ schedules. More visits are next, then another set of interviews. It is a long process.

‘What are pastors asking about us?’

Interviews are two way conversations. Pastors are very complimentary of our programs, particularly our outreach and mission. They are curious about our worship life; the 40-Year Vision creates discussion; and our demographics and location are noticed. Some questions asked are more thought provoking, such as ‘what areas does Normandale not do so well,’ ‘what is next for Normandale,’ and ‘how will the congregation and staff accept a new senior pastor?’

We continue to work diligently. While at this point we can share very little with you, know that we continue to ask for prayers: for us, the congregation, and the pastors whom we’ve met. Thank you!

Joanna Swanson, chairperson

Introduction

L to R: Gina Drazan, Ken Heinecke, Joanna Swanson, Hans Quitmeyer, Maggie Valenta, Diane Brady, Lloyd Svendsbye, & John Devine. Not Pictured: Mark Eckstein

This article introduces you to the Senior Pastor Call Committee. We are honored by your trust, grateful for this opportunity to serve our Lord, and humbled by the task before us. We already sense God’s hand at work within the committee and the process. This group of nine (plus two alternates) brings diversity in their interests, awareness of programs and ministry, and expertise. We stand united in our commitment to seek and follow God’s guidance. A deep, shared affection for Normandale, gratitude for its many facets of ministry, and hope in our future under gird our work.

In mid October the Call Committee began a process to become immersed in an awareness of Normandale’s strengths and distinctiveness. This is a crucial preparatory step as we move towards an understanding of the congregation’s expectations in a senior pastor.

You also play a role in the call process. We firmly believe that your prayer life will assist us as we learn and grow together. As the months unfold, you will want to extend your prayers to include future candidates, our dedicated staff, and the entire transition process.

As we look towards the future, we want to know what characteristics in the role of Senior Pastor of Normandale are most important to you. Your ideas can be passed on to us verbally, by using the same form available for recommending pastors, or leaving a note in the office for the Call Committee.

Names of possible candidates will come to us from several sources: while the Minneapolis Area Synod works with pastors within this synod, our members can recommend ELCA pastors from other areas or synods which will then be filtered on to the synod for their review. If you know of a pastor whose gifts and experience are appropriate for our call and your prayer life endorses this, submit that pastor’s name to the Call Committee. Forms will be available at the Welcome Center and the church office from November 9 – February 1, 2009.

Your Call Committee welcomes conversation, questions, and your interest because we realize they are all rooted in your love for our Lord and His church.

Your servant in Christ,
Joanna Swanson, Chairperson

Congregational Profile

New! God's Work. Our Hands - Congregational Profile

Normandale Family and Friends,  

As your Call Committee moves towards the next phase in our mission, we decided to place key information for candidates on our website.  Those of you who love this congregation and pray faithfully for Normandale may find this information both interesting and beneficial. Prospective pastoral candidates will find it informative. The ‘Congregational Profile’ reflects your insights and priorities as well as The Call Committee’s understanding of our congregation.  

Joanna Swanson, chairperson   

References

Listed here are references for Normandale in our search for a Senior Pastor.

Reverend Meta Herrick Carlson
Associate Pastor, St. John’s Lutheran, Minneapolis, MN
Daughter of Normandale Congregation
(612) 827-4406

Dr. Craig Koester
Professor of New Testament Luther Seminary
The Orchard Adult Education Facilitator
(651) 641-3456

Reverend Herbert Brokering
Poet/Hymn Writer/Friend
Worship and Outreach Partner
(952) 888-5281

Dr. Richard Bliese
President, Luther Seminary
The Orchard Adult Education Facilitator
(651) 641-3456

Senior Pastor Search     Preaching… Teaching… Reaching...

Newsletter April 2009

How Congregations Call Pastors #201

Last fall I wrote an article (How Congregations Call Pastors #101)
introducing you to the protocol Lutheran churches use when pastors are called.  I explained that, unlike the models used where bishops arbitrarily assign pastors/priests or when congregations go out independently and search for pastors, Lutheran churches work with their synods and bishops. The synod serves as a clearing house for prospective candidates such as those you suggested; they also have networks for pastors who are open to a new call; and they share the names of pastors whom they think might be a good fit with a congregation.

So, what have you been doing this last month?

We met with a synod representative on February 9 and turned in the names you gave us. The synod office researched those names and also compiled a group of additional candidates. Bishop Johnson met with us on March 16 and reviewed a group of potential candidates. We are studying their documents, visiting the churches that are within a reasonable distance, and working on interview schedules.

We completed the Congregational Profile, required by the synod and written for prospective candidates. This describes Normandale’s ministries, history and vision, the community we live in, and the congregation’s hopes and dreams. The synod requested it be placed on our website for easy access to pastors. In doing so, you also can see it by going to www.normluth.org call committee updates. 

Five friends of the congregation (non-members) agreed to be available as references.

We decided upon topics to cover in the candidate’s first interview and framed questions related to that.

What happened to the names you requested and we submitted:

We passed on to the Minneapolis Area Synod over twenty names. The bishop’s office then contacted these pastors, asking if they were open to call. The vast majority declined. A few are considering.

What are the next steps?

Pastors who are open to this process complete an extensive form called Mobility Papers. These papers describe their understanding of ministry as well as their perception of their strengths and interests. Just as the Congregational Profile is long and detailed, these 11 page reports from pastors serve as our introduction to their priorities, approaches, dreams, and goals.

The Call Committee is currently studying these written forms and visiting churches. Our next steps are to select some/most/all for interviews and then schedule those interviews.  

What is left to do?

The general pattern is to have a larger pool of candidates for an initial interview, select the most viable for a site visit, return a few for a second interview, and then hope we and the finalist will sense God’s direction and our search will be complete.

What can we do?

Pray for the Call Committee, pray for all the candidates, pray for our staff, and pray for Normandale.  Recall the many blessings God showers upon Normandale and trust that God will provide. 

Joanna Swanson, chairperson,
Senior Pastor Call Committee

Newsletter March 2009

As I think about the challenge ahead of us and the ground covered so far, I hear the voice of my late father, ‘when a task seems daunting, break it into small, manageable pieces and you can do it!’ That wisdom applies to the work of your call committee.

We analyzed and dissected the nature of our congregation so that we can articulate accurately the character of Normandale. These conclusions are now in written form and will be the candidates’ formal introduction to us.

In light of our understanding of our congregation and the office of senior pastor, we arrived at an
image of ‘the pastor we seek.’ This step is also a prerequisite to receiving names from the Minneapolis Area Synod. I think you will find this little snapshot interesting.

The pastor we seek will be gifted with a faith that is transparent;
consistent; genuine; informs all actions; and includes a sense of wonder, awe, trust, and humility. This person needs to be thoughtful, compassionate, and confident, while also thought-provoking. Creativity and innovation permeate his/her work. The power of the Gospel drives this pastor. The candidate will treasure the opportunity to learn and grow.

This pastor understands that worship defines who we are. Worship also supports and empowers
everything about Normandale. In this facet of leadership, there needs to be an intentional mixture of creativity, attention to planning and detail, and appreciation of the involvement of our members. Teaching the faith takes place in many ways, including classroom and learning settings. Our senior pastor oversees a large staff, providing vision and inspiration in many areas.

Next steps are still preparatory to meeting candidates. During the rest of February and into early March, we will formulate interview questions that determine how appropriate a candidate’s gifts, insights, and experience would be for Normandale. We will be preparing tools for objective evaluation. Finally, we need to anticipate questions regarding our congregation and ministry.

There is no question that we have been blessed by Pastor Holm’s leadership. God’s grace will continue to be showered on Normandale as we work – carefully, methodically, diligently, confidently – and move the process forward.  And we ask that you continue to support us with your prayers.

 Joanna Swanson, chairperson,
Senior Pastor Call Committe

Click to Archives for past newsletter stories