Question # 1 - How do you feel about the transition and search process for the new Rector?
- “Toxic” was used to describe the last search process.
- Good to keep the existing folks.
- Like the new search process. Hope we get a Rector soon.
- The Diocese is committed to the Parish. Mother Ale will continue here.
- The Interim Priest usually moves on to another Parish.
- Overall consensus was gladness that we do not have to do the whole search process like last time.
- It was unanimous that people would like to meet the candidates that are under consideration.
- Consensus of one group was that of nervousness and sadness. Nervousness because of their past experience, and sadness because all felt such a great love for Fr. Shin.
- After hearing how the new search process would work – the group felt the right path had been selected.
Question # 2 – What is the mission to which God is calling St. John’s in this community?
(NOT the Mission Statement)
- A wish to continue the Spanish Ministry.
- To have a combined service in English and Spanish.
- Market St. John’s to the Asian population, as well as to Families.
- A need to be excited about ministry.
- Bring God into the community, and community into St. John’s.
- Why are we not pulling new parishioners locally?
- Diversity is a big draw. Leverage and grow.
- Youth ministries: Why do we lose them? Young families and their children.
- Need to draw. Dynamic person.
- Hire a Kids’ Club Director.
- Follow up with missing parishioners.
- More contemporary program for Sunday School.
- What is the draw to bring the children back?
- Hold seminars instead of Vacation Bible School. Spiritually feed the children.
- Guest Speakers: reason to motivate and build excitement for the youth.
- Investigate and focus on ONE outreach program.
- Hands on in the community – pick one and move it forward.
- Charter a youth organization i.e. Boy or Girl Scouts of America.
- A focus on youth growth: Hire a Youth Director, someone who focuses on Sunday School, inclusive Kids programs, outreach to students away in College.
- When there was a Youth Director on staff previously, church attendance was in the 200-220 range. Children’s programs bring parents to Church. Pageant.
- It is important to get the Youth in both the Church and in Ministries of the Community.
(Over )
Question # 2 continued
- Would like to see the Church as a centerpiece for children to be involved – and to use the Great Hall as a place for youth to come to i.e. Battle of the Bands, a Ping Pong Tournament, and other activities.
- Sorrow that there were no children making First Holy Communion this year.
- Expressed a desire to draw families with small children to St. John’s.
Question # 3 – What are the 3 most important things you look for in the new Rector?
- Same traits as Fr. Shin. Transparent and experience in larger parishes.
- Compassionate, warmth and youth connection.
- Priest with a husband or wife.
- A Spiritual Director – one strong in Bible study and education
- Experience in Administration of property and pastoral care.
- Experience in youth development programs.
- Ability to incorporate traditional values into modern world.
- Someone who can bring in young families and keep the children interested in the Church.
- Ability to relate the Gospel to everyday things, bring real world experience into the teachings.
- Someone personally warm, open and accepting of all persons.
- Someone with a strong management background.
- Someone with strong outreach skills so as to lead the membership in establishing lasting ministries to the community – not only to serve those in need, but also to attract and keep as members: young families, disaffected members of other churches, and the unchurched. St. John’s HAS to improve its appeal to families.
- Continue and expand “intellectual exploration” programs i.e. the Adult Christian Education programs.