Clergy Search Resources

Our primary search resource is Assessing Skills and Discerning Calls a comprehensive 380 page manual for the search process.

If you have a registered copy of Assessing Skills and Discerning Calls click here to access the exercises and worksheet templates.

Using Appreciative Inquiry to Conduct the Self Study

We have transitioned from using surveys to conducting appreciative inquiry summits to conduct the self-study portions of a search process. We have found the appreciative inquiry process to be more effective because:

• The appreciative process relies on shared story telling which inspires and mobilizes people. Survey data never empowers action.
• Surveys polarize people into "either or" categories.
• The appreciative process does not rely on a sophisticated social science background that surveys require.
• The appreciative process builds community and creates a positive, realistic foundation for imagining a preferred future. Survey results do not directly build community.

Please see appreciative inquiry for more information on the appreciative approach.

Interview Guides From Assessing Skills and Discerning Calls

• Generic Appreciative Interview Guide, page 205
• Interview Booklet for the Diocese of Oregon Episcopal Search

Additional guides can be found at: appreciative inquiry resources.

Assessing Skills and Discerning Calls Examples

• Preaching Assessment, page 341
• Clergy Compensation, page 248
• Discernment for Preacher/Celebration, page 368

  >>  View the Complete Table of Contents

Congregation Profile Examples

We no longer recommend congregations spend significant resources on printing or creating video profiles. Beyond their significant cost they are static with respect to time and are not useful for anything other than the search. In their place we recommend congregations create or update their web site to not only serve the search but also newcomers and parish members. In addition to updating their web site we recommend congregations create, an executive summary profile.

• Executive Summary Tri-fold Brochure Profile
  This brochure example from Assessing Skills and Discerning Calls provides all the information necessary to engage in a search.
• Extended Parish Profile
  An excellent example from All Saints, Sun City, Arizona of a more extensive profile that is designed to be viewed in a browser without significant scrolling.

Search Consulting and Training

The Clergy Leadership Institute also provides search consulting for congregations and diocesan searches.

We also provide comprehensive training in appreciative inquiry and the search consulting.

If you have any questions please contact us at: Rob Voyle