Leadership Transition
After prayerful consideration of the available paths toward new spiritual leadership, the vestry chose to seek a Priest in Charge. The search process is now complete, with the vestry’s enthusiastic and unanimous call to The Rev. Madeleine Hill. Meet Mother Maddie.
We're grateful to parishioners for an enlightening discussion during our Parish Conversation in March, as Canon Jane Gober, head of the Transition Office of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, joined us to answer questions about the transition period.
How did we choose a path?
As discussed in March, the vestry chose the Priest in Charge (PiC) process over the Interim/Rector Search process for several reasons. The Diocese’s redefined PiC structure (which has changed significantly since Good Shepherd last experienced part-time priests with this title) allows a vestry to review promising candidates promptly and come to a decision on a full-time priest with relative efficiency. It also requires minimal added volunteer effort – important for our small parish of individuals already deeply committed to various ministries. Finally, it allows the parish significant agency, since we have now called a full-time PiC to act as a Rector, but for an initial fixed contract term. During that term, both parties – parish and priest – get to know one another, work on a parish vision statement in tandem, and determine whether they are called to remain together.
By contrast a traditional Rector search provides for an Interim Rector, chosen by the Diocese based on availability. The Interim Rector typically serves 18 months to two years while three new committees are formed – a parish profile committee, a prayer committee, and a rector search committee (which cannot begin its work until the profile is complete). Ultimately the search committee recommends a final choice to the vestry, and a Rector is called. The entire process normally takes about 30 months, and has become less common in Episcopal parishes nationwide over the last few years.
Both processes have advantages and disadvantages, but it was our vestry’s strong feeling that the PiC process better suits a parish of our size, liturgical inclinations, and already heavy volunteer commitment. To us it’s clear that the PiC process allows the parish a greater voice in the ultimate rector call, as well as stable leadership on a reasonable timeline. These inclinations were confirmed by the Parish Conversation on March 3, as well as responses to the parish survey that followed.
How was our search conducted?
The PiC process calls for the Diocese to recommend appropriate candidates to the vestry. On their recommendation, the wardens conducted initial Zoom interviews beginning in early March, then reported back on these meetings to the vestry, which decided on in-person interviews.
The vestry requested of the Diocese that the PiC process be modified to include a few additional parish representatives in its review at the in-person stage, since our vestry is comparatively small. The Diocese agreed, and we recruited four parishioners – the parish advisory group – to broaden representation. These parishioners provided valuable input to the Vestry in the interview process.
How was the decision made?
An intensive in-person interview in early April included a multiple targeted meetings, a celebration of the Mass, and a time of thoroughly enjoyable fellowship. This resulted in a unanimous and enthusiastic decision by the vestry and parish advisory group to call The Rev. Madeleine Hill.
What will happen next?
Mother Maddie will begin her ministry at Good Shepherd in July. We feel blessed that Good Shepherd will have stable leadership in time to fully plan the next program year.
Who is celebrating and preaching in the meantime?
There is a wonderful network of clergy in our diocese and beyond, and they have been quick to offer their assistance. The Vestry is grateful to the many priests who are helping us through our period of transition, and to the Office of Transition at DioPA for their assistance in connecting us to them. This period of transition is a wonderful opportunity for us to build ties with nearby clergy and their parishes. Learn more about our supply priests here.
What will happen when our new Priest in Charge arrives?
Mother Maddie will serve exactly as our Rector served, but initially on a one-year contract. During that period, in consultation with the vestry, she will assemble a volunteer committee to develop a parish vision statement. Throughout the PiC contract period, the vestry will share input from the parish with Mother Maddie, and as the conclusion of the term approaches, the vestry will consider how to extend the contract – either continuing the PiC relationship for another fixed period, or progressing to our ultimate aim, a more permanent Rector call.
Tracking Our Progress
Initial Meetings with Canon for Transition Ministries ✔
Decision on Rector Search Process ✔
Review Candidate Materials ✔
Initial Zoom meetings (more may be scheduled) ✔
Schedule Interviews for vestry Discernment ✔
Vestry Approval of Priest in Charge Contract We Are Here
Vision Process with Priest in Charge