PULPIT SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE
We are happy to report that we are closing out Phase 1 of our process. As we discussed in our last announcement, Phase 1 was all about gathering input from across Briarwood to help us complete a desired pastoral profile. During the month of November there was a focus group gathered of 66 Briarwood members that spanned Friday evening and Saturday. There was also a Congregational survey that 900 of you completed. Through the survey we gathering over 3,500 written comments. And finally there was a series of one on one phone interviews with some Elders, Deacons and Staff.
As you can imagine, these efforts produced a lot of information. We want to express our great appreciation and thankfulness for all of you who so actively engaged in these efforts! The great news is that overall we received consistent messages that were very helpful to the committee. Let me share some of the themes we have gathered. First, Briarwood is committed to the Scriptures and desires to have continued expository preaching and intentional worship. Briarwood is very committed to continuing our strong Missions focus and there is a renewed desire for a multigenerational emphasis on evangelism and discipleship. Briarwood wants a senior pastor that is approachable and engaged in the life of the church. Briarwood wants a visionary leader who honors the past and looks to the future.
While I doubt many of you are surprised by these statements, it is significant for both the committee and possible candidates to know that the congregation is united in these desires.
Your input has been especially helpful as we completed the development of a profile statement that highlights who we are looking for. We have posted a Pastoral Search booklet on the Search Committee webpage at Briarwood.org. The main purpose of the booklet is to provide some information to possible candidates about Briarwood. At the end of the booklet is a high level, one page pastoral profile. The development of this profile marks the end of the foundational part of our process, on schedule, by the end of the year.
This allows us to shift our complete attention to Phase 2, which is working through names of possible candidates. We will use the profile to filter through names to determine who we want to look at in more detail. It’s not too late for you to provide names for us to consider, just email them along with your reasons to pulpitcommittee@briarwood.org.
Please be praying for us as we work through the initial list of names we have. Pray that the Lord would give us insight and wisdom to determine a smaller group of candidates to focus our time on. Also be praying for the committee members as they commit a significant amount of time evaluating sermons and doing due diligence over the months ahead.
Thank you for your support and especially your prayers. I remain convinced that prayer is what is going to bring this whole process to a conclusion. Remember that the Lord knows who He has for Briarwood, we just need to ask Him to show us. I believe He will!
As you can imagine, these efforts produced a lot of information. We want to express our great appreciation and thankfulness for all of you who so actively engaged in these efforts! The great news is that overall we received consistent messages that were very helpful to the committee. Let me share some of the themes we have gathered. First, Briarwood is committed to the Scriptures and desires to have continued expository preaching and intentional worship. Briarwood is very committed to continuing our strong Missions focus and there is a renewed desire for a multigenerational emphasis on evangelism and discipleship. Briarwood wants a senior pastor that is approachable and engaged in the life of the church. Briarwood wants a visionary leader who honors the past and looks to the future.
While I doubt many of you are surprised by these statements, it is significant for both the committee and possible candidates to know that the congregation is united in these desires.
Your input has been especially helpful as we completed the development of a profile statement that highlights who we are looking for. We have posted a Pastoral Search booklet on the Search Committee webpage at Briarwood.org. The main purpose of the booklet is to provide some information to possible candidates about Briarwood. At the end of the booklet is a high level, one page pastoral profile. The development of this profile marks the end of the foundational part of our process, on schedule, by the end of the year.
This allows us to shift our complete attention to Phase 2, which is working through names of possible candidates. We will use the profile to filter through names to determine who we want to look at in more detail. It’s not too late for you to provide names for us to consider, just email them along with your reasons to pulpitcommittee@briarwood.org.
Please be praying for us as we work through the initial list of names we have. Pray that the Lord would give us insight and wisdom to determine a smaller group of candidates to focus our time on. Also be praying for the committee members as they commit a significant amount of time evaluating sermons and doing due diligence over the months ahead.
Thank you for your support and especially your prayers. I remain convinced that prayer is what is going to bring this whole process to a conclusion. Remember that the Lord knows who He has for Briarwood, we just need to ask Him to show us. I believe He will!