Calling a New Pastor

Thank you to Joe Sims for sharing this beautiful photo, taken from inside Bell Tower Green. The new park in downtown Salisbury — directly across the street from
St. John’s — opened to the public on Oct.1.

The Call Committee began interviewing associate pastor candidates in late September. Formal interviews follow an extensive process of developing the congregation’s Ministry Site Profile and six hours of Call Committee training. No doubt our committee members are well-prepared for what’s next!

Call Committee members include Carole Parrott (chair), David Hord, Heather Brady, Mimi Carlton, Nichole Towns, Jay Dees, Millie Wymbs, and Kim Lentz. Because candidates are drawn from around the ELCA, initial interviews are conducted via Zoom. When the candidate pool is narrowed, the committee will meet in person.

The Committee welcomes the suggestions of all members of St. John’s for associate pastor candidates. If you know of anyone who meets the following criteria, please fill out the form (found in the church office or FaithLife email) and email Carole Parrott, at cyparrott@herffjones.com. Criteria:

• Candidates should be a member of the clergy roster of the ELCA, although consideration will be given to those with whom the ELCA is in full communion.
• All ELCA pastors in good standing are eligible.
• Non-rostered candidates will not be considered.
• The Committee will take each nomination seriously and share appropriate names with the office of the bishop. If a nominee is from a synod other than North Carolina, Bishop Smith will obtain clearance from the nominee’s synod before being contacted.

As we enter this next phase of calling a new pastor, we ask that you will pray for proper discernment, in thanksgiving that God is raising up a new leader for St. John’s and our Salisbury community.

If you have any questions, contact Carole Parrott or any member of the committee.