We are near the end of our initial search process for a new youth pastor. We have taken our time and been as comprehensive and discerning as we can by undertaking the following:
1. Consultation: Our trustees paid for and engaged the service of a national you ministry consultant. We reviewed our youth pastor roles and needs and updated the position for advertising.
2. Advertising: The role was advertised as widely as possible, nationally and internationally. This included Vineyard UK, Premier Magazine, New Wine, youth ministry training colleges, and a host of youth ministry networks.
3. Shortlisting: After the application deadline, trustees and staff with our national consultant shortlisted potential candidates. This step was about inviting any applications who met the qualifications and experience requirements for the role.
4. First Interviews: We then had first interviews that involved trustees, senior pastors, and other staff - our youth worker Maisie, Kids pastor Hannah, and Kids Co-ordinator Lili. We focused on confirming candidates' qualifications and experience around the role and who would be suitable for second interviews at those interviews.
5. Second Interviews: These took place in a series of separate meetings with the youth team, youth parents, and most importantly, the youth. It was feedback from these three groups that we used to determine who we might invite to a final stage of in-person meetings at SVC.
6. In-person visit: Our final candidate will visit us this coming weekend, 3-6 September. She is meeting with SVC members, leaders, the youth team, parents, and youth. She will visit our Sunday service. At the end of this weekend, we decide if we want to offer the role or if our candidate wants the position and to move to Sutton.
Please be praying for our candidate and her meetings with us this weekend. They and we must discern god's calling for them and us.