The Vestry Handbook for the Open Doors New Futures Clergy Search follows a step by step process from departure of the incumbent clergy to the call of the new Rector/PIC. The Handbook is filled with information and details to accomplish each of the benchmarks of the Clergy search.
The Open Doors New Futures process was developed to help congregations discern God’s plan as it emerges in community exploration. Whether you are a parish with a newly called clergy partner, or a congregation seeking a new chapter, the Open DoorsNew Futures process can help you see God’s vision. The companion Interim Clergy Handbook is a detailed guide for areas needing particular attention during an interim time and especially to the development of spiritual discernment skills, both to discern the call in the Clergy Search and in preparation for the whole congregation to discern God’s leading in the Mission Search. If no Interim is called to assist in a congregation’s Clergy Search, it is highly recommended to seek leadership to lead the congregation in discernment skill acquisition and practice that is available in the Interim Clergy Handbook.
All handbooks are available digitally, for those who wish to use their laptops to keep notes, and in print versions for those who wish to handwrite notes.
For other Dioceses who may wish to use the Open Doors New Futures Clergy Search process and may have a different official searching body, the work outlined in the Clergy Search Vestry Handbook can easily translate to a differently structured call team.
For more information, contact the Rev. Claire Woodley, Ministry Consultant, at cwoodley@dioceseli.org.