Senior Pastor Transition

Scott announced in June that, due to the uncertainty of his health, he will be stepping down from the senior pastor role in one year. At that time, he will assume a role as an Assistant Pastor on the Ward Church staff. You may view the video announcement at the top of this page.

Yes, but in our denomination, succession is never assumed. Denominational bylaws require that a search committee be formed and that a thoughtful and thorough process be used. Existing staff may apply for the senior pastor position. Internal candidates will be interviewed first before opening the search to external candidates.

Session will nominate and recommend members of the search committee to the congregation (Book of Order G-10.4a). The congregation must approve the nominees at a duly called congregational meeting (currently scheduled for August 24). Ultimately, the congregation decides the size and membership of the search committee.

Search committee members must be active members of Ward Church. The EPC Procedure Manual for Candidate Committees includes recommendations and best practices. In addition to ruling elders from Session, the search committee should include:

Three or four spiritually mature, discerning members of the congregation, who are not new to the church. These qualities are more important than electing people to represent various constituencies or interest groups in the congregation. Search Committee members are to represent the mind of Christ on the Search Committee (EPC Procedure Manual).

The EPC Procedure Manual recommends that seven members is optimal for a search committee.

While not constitutionally prohibited, the EPC recommends not having employees on the search committee.  

It is common to think that staff members should be on the Search Committee. Having staff members on the Search Committee is not recommended due to the inherent conflict of interest in hiring the person to whom one will report in an employment setting. The Search Committee should consult with staff in the process for an understanding of the needs of the church’s ministry, and the prospective Pastor should meet with staff, but it is unwise for staff members to serve on the Search Committee (EPC Procedure Manual).

You may direct questions and comments directly to the Ward Church Session at clerkofsession@ward.church.