Missions Short Term Missions SMCC~Where Every Member is a Minister/Missionary

SMCC Pastoral Search Committee

While SMCC continues under the faithful ministry of Pastor Dick Anderson, a search has begun for a new senior pastor.

Click here for current information about the search and the Pastoral Search Committee.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Recent Developments

On Sunday, April 20th, 2008, the senior pastor nominee was announced at all three services and in all Sunday School classes.

A congregational informational meeting has been scheduled for May 4th at 12:45 PM, and the Member's Meeting to vote on the nomination has been scheduled for May 25th, at 12:45 PM The candidate and his family will be at SMCC that weekend. Further information is being mailed home to all those in the SMCC family.

Background

  • In October 2005, Pastor Richard Anderson, in concord with the Elder Council, announced indefinite plans to transition out of the senior pastor role. He encouraged the church to undertake the necessary groundwork and then seek his successor prayerfully and carefully. Shortly thereafter the church undertook 40 days of prayer
  • The prospect of pastoral transition for the first time since 1968 served as a catalyst for creative discussion and change. The church used the year 2006 for planning and analysis, conducting an all-church survey, leadership retreats, and engaging consultants who advised in a number of areas. Structural changes were made in some areas of church governance.
  • On November 16, 2006 the Pastoral Search Committee (PSC) was commissioned. The committee assessed the church and the community, and drafted the pastoral job description. The committee also prepared extensive background materials that will be shared with qualified candidates following the preliminary evaluation.
  • On July 16, 2007, Sierra Madre Congregational Church launched its search for a new senior pastor. This day came after much hard work and prayer over the past several years.

Pastoral Search Committee

The Pastoral Search Committee's mandate is "To be an instrument in God's hand to seek to identify and recommend to the Elder Council a candidate who to the best of the committee's leading and understanding is the candidate God is calling to be senior pastor of SMCC."

Updates on the search process have been made to the congregation every 4 - 6 weeks. On Sunday, May 27th, the worship services included an extended period of small group prayer for the entire transition process. On July 1st, PSC members Mary Upham, and Nathan Robison announced that the search would begin shortly and requested continued prayer. That Sunday, materials covered by the committee were made available to members of the church family.

Search Committee members are:

Greg Ash     Elder Council Representative
Dale Brown    
Sheryl Cipolla    
Ken Cromeenes     Alternate
Todd Fagan     Vice Chair
Gail Gaffrey    
Greg Groshong    
Stephen Meier     Chair
Synnove Mitchell     Alternate
Nathan Robison    
Jennifer Stanley    
Mary Upham     Secretary
Bill Witczak    

Alternates participate fully in the committee's work but do not vote.

Communicating with the Committee

You are invited to communicate with the committee by either of the following two ways:

  • Email:smccsearchcom@gmail.com
  • Postal Address:

         SMCC Search Committee
         P.O. Box 8
         Sierra Madre, CA 91025