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Is this too secret?

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by Salty, May 14, 2006.

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  1. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    I found the following on a church web site:

    Pastoral Search Committee Report
    by Bob (xxxx)
    Chairman, Pulpit Committee


    April 23, 2006 - One of the goals of the Pastoral Search Committee is to keep our church congregation informed about the process and status of our search. ... Our hope is to publish a new article on a semi-weekly basis.

    You have entrusted the three members of our team (Don (xxx), Alan (xxx) and myself) with the task of seeking a successor to our current Pastor Marian (xxx) who is moving on to God’s calling in another church ...

    It is very important that we have your complete support in prayer. ...

    We are aware that many may already have preferences and we ask you to be patient, prayerful and permit us to seek all possibilities in God’s timing. ...

    Please respect the confidentiality of our task as the Search Committee. We have agreed (along with the Deacons) together that we will not share the important business we are transacting with anyone, even our spouses until the proper time. The violation of confidentiality could create problems for the church and the committee. It could also produce a lack of integrity on our part and “leaks” of information could cause personal harm to the person or persons being considered.


    Do you think this is too secret, or do you think the church is being wise in holding this info back?
    Salty
     
    #1 Salty, May 14, 2006
  2. Joseph_Botwinick

    Joseph_Botwinick <img src=/532.jpg>Banned

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    Hard to tell since we don't know wat info they are holding back.

    Joseph Botwinick
     
    #2 Joseph_Botwinick, May 14, 2006
  3. Scarlett O.

    Scarlett O. Moderator
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    I don't think they are being too secretive. They just don't want to tell all of their business as a committee until it is time to "lay their cards down" to the church body.

    That's the purpose and function of a committee...to get all of the details ironed out and formulate a solid plan BEFORE you come to the church. The church can either accept the plan or reject it.

    That's how our committees work.

    The only thing that I don't see as a good thing is that they are keeping secrets from their spouses. I didn't think that spouses were supposed to keep secrets from one another.

    If one of those guys gets up on a Sunday morning and is going to another church with the pulpit committee to listen to a preacher, then it is just common courtesy to tell his wife where he is going and a phone number where he can be reached.

    And if she asks him over lunch, "How did everything go with the pulpit committee", there is nothing wrong with privately sharing with her and "bouncing" ideas off of the person that he is one flesh with.
     
    #3 Scarlett O., May 14, 2006
  4. mcdirector

    mcdirector Active Member

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    I think that some people in churches like to talk too much and talking is something that put pastoral jobs in jeopardy.

    Pulpit committees need to be able to keep their own council until they've got something solid to share.
     
    #4 mcdirector, May 14, 2006
  5. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    I think the church is being wise.
     
    #5 PastorSBC1303, May 14, 2006
  6. MRCoon

    MRCoon New Member

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    I have noticed that Church and their outstanding website. It is neat to see a whole church involved in using the internet to inform an update their members as well as visitors. I think it is very wse o not only protect the current committee from improper influence but to also protect the candidating men from whisper or rumors and to provide their church body with solid information that is above reproach. Nothing can hurt a new pastor more than having to fight off rumors or gossip...sadly that garbage will come soon enough in too many churches.
     
    #6 MRCoon, May 15, 2006
  7. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    As a practical matter, there is very little that a search committee can share with the congregation until it has a candidate to propose.

    At best, an update can be general, such as, "we haven't found anybody yet," or "we've interviewed some candidates, but the Lord has not led us to pursue them." Members should assume that anyway until the committee is ready to recommend a candidate.

    Confidentiality is a given. Limited discussion with spouses is okay with me. But except for checking references, the committee should be careful about seeking outside advice, even from spouses.
     
    #7 Tom Butler, May 15, 2006
  8. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    It also sounds a little like they have been approached by some who shared their prefernces. If that is the case then the confidentiality is needed.

    As a pastor I share very little about my day with my wife. Especially when I have had counseling with someone.
     
    #8 Revmitchell, May 18, 2006
  9. Bob Farnaby

    Bob Farnaby Active Member
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    As a member of a pastoral search committe i see nothing wrong with the confidentiality statement. Indeed, it is a good thing, clearly stating the expectations placed on the committee, the diaconate, and the church in general.

    As was said earlier, theere is very little the committe realy has to share ntl it is ready to bring a name/nomination to the church (or maybe the diaconate first) Nothing is gained by naming people you don't intend to call, and the risk of unintentional dammage is high.

    As for sharing/not sharing with your spouse, there is a difference between confidentiality and being secretive. My wife knows when I'm doing Pastoral Search committe stuff, but not precicely what. Nothig that isn't shared with the church in general is shared with her. It causes no problem, she has things at work that she doesn't share with me because they are confidential, is what is appropriate for the situation.

    Regards
    Bob
     
    #9 Bob Farnaby, May 18, 2006
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