: SBF's search has begun ... again ... Phase II :

... well, Phase II of SBF's pastoral search is up and running in earnest.

Search2009, as I am calling it, looks good to me.

We learned a tonne in Phase I last fall, with 3 potential candidates going through structured interviews with the SC, as the elders affectionately refer to the Search Committee. Two of them returned for a less structured, more conversational get-to-know-each-other afternoon, and one visited SBF early in Advent and spoke.

While all around there was mutual agreement with these first three men that the fit between them and SBF wasn't quite there, the process and the three different perspectives created a great learning experience for the SC, and the elders when they joined the process part way through. So now, as we re-enter the search in earnest, we have much more to go on, more clarity about the pastoral role, and a sense of direction and a comfort level with the challenge that I believe will be productive.

So, as you think of the SearchComm as we meet most Tuesday evenings, say a prayer for wisdom, direction, unity, great process, the right contacts, and a connection with the right person to join the SBF leadership team is this pastoral role. We will be getting some profiles and information out to you in the next few weeks as we finish off that refinement process. Until then? keep us in your prayers, and especially a special meeting next week with Jay Gurnett of Vision Ministries Canada. He knows a LOT of people in pastoral circles, and we will be picking his brains about the opportunity here at SBF.

dlc