Pastor Search Process

Warrenton Presbyterian Church is embarking on the deeply consequential journey of discerning our ministry and searching for a new pastor to guide us. In Presbyterian (PC(USA)) speak, this is called a “Teaching Elder”.

Our interim pastor, Patrick Pettit, in cooperation with Shenandoah Presbytery, is guiding Session through this work.

Scenery binocular looking out over a foggy wooded mountainside
credit:Photo by Matt LaVasseur

Like any large, complex organization, the PC(USA) denomination leans on acronyms to identify processes and working units.

The pastoral search process is certainly not immune from this habit!


Here is a GLOSSARY of some of the terms you may encounter ➔

  • PC(USA) – The national denomination of the Presbyterian Church in the USA
  • COM – The Committee on Ministry is a committee within Shenandoah Presbytery which guides matters of ministry personnel management. They are present and engaged with our congregation’s leadership throughout the search.
  • CAT- Community Assessment Tool (this is the survey completed by church members in Oct./2024)
  • PNC– Pastor Nominating Committee- This is a small group of people nominated from the congregation to carry out the business aspects of the pastoral search
  • MDF – Ministry Discernement Form- think of this as a combination of a vacancy announcement and a dating profile. Pastors are looking for churches, and we’re a church looking for a pastor.
  • CLC – The Church Leadership Connection website is where we will post our congregation’s Ministry Information Form, and introductions between churches and cadidates – at least online – are made.
  • PDF– Pastoral Candidates submit their Personal Discernment Form to church profiles they are interested engaging with as they discern their next call

The steps we're taking, and the progress we've made

Congregational Discernment

  • Session and Presbytery begin conversations about the pastoral transition.
  • Conduct a mission study to assess congregational needs.
    • CAT Survey
    • Congregational dialogue
  • Form a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC), elected by the congregation.
Progress toward completion
Congregational Discernment 65%

Ministry Discernment Form (MIF) Creation

  • The PNC drafts the Ministry Discernment Form (MDF), outlining church identity and pastoral needs.
  • Session and Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM) approve the MDF.
  • MDF is posted on PC(USA)’s Church Leadership Connection (CLC).
Progress toward completion
Ministry Information Form 0%

Receiving & Reviewing Candidates

  • PNC receives Personal Information Forms (PIFs) from interested candidates.
  • Initial interviews via video or phone call.
  • Narrow down top candidates for further interviews.
Progress toward completion
Receiving & Reviewing Candidates 0%

Finalist Interviews & Visits

  •  Conduct in-depth interviews and reference checks.
  • Top candidates visit the congregation (discreetly, if necessary).
  • PNC discerns and selects a final candidate.
Progress toward completion
Finalist Interviews and Visits 0%

Call Process & Congregational Vote

  •  PNC extends an official call to the selected pastor.
  • The candidate meets with the Presbytery for examination.
  • Congregation votes to approve the call..
Progress toward completion
Call Process and Congregational Vote 0%

Installation & Transition

  • The new pastor is welcomed and installed by the Presbytery.
  • Transition and onboarding take place.
  • The congregation begins a new season of ministry together.
Progress toward completion
Installation & Transition 0%