We’re doing evaluation of answers to written questions from folks in the search process for our new rector. We’re down to ten candidates, as we’ve decided some folks don’t fit, and others have dropped out for various reasons.
I went through each, highlighting different passages — color coded for “good,” or “interesting,” or “possibly a problem.” I also set up an Excel matrix with weighted values for different responses to each question. Yeah, I’m that kind of guy.
It’s interesting, how ten different priests can answer the same question. Some are very academic. Some are very heartfelt. Some show they’ve read up on our parish, while others give answers generic enough to have been used in a dozen different search processes. Some of the applicants give short, concise answers; others ramble on; still others write little mini-essays (we asked that answers not exceed one page each for the five questions).
Some folks have a nice eye for formatting, a good way with written words. How important is that? It’s something I probably over-value, but it’s hard to say.
Some of the applicants wax theological, dropping jargon in here and there. Some are very pragmatic. Some focus on programs, others on prayer, others on personal relationships.
There’s an odd balance in what one wants in a rector, between the spiritual and the mundane. A good candidate, I think, is one who remembers that the rector is both the manager of a non-profit organization with an interestingly architected office building, and a spiritual leader of a community — neglecting either side of that equation is a recipe for disappointment and disaster.
I also am looking for someone who both is a “fit” to the parish as it stands (and where I think it should go) — and is a challenge as well. Comfort and complacency are as dangerous as chaos and conflict.
Of the ten, for what it’s worth, I think most would do a good job as rector for us. Some I think are distinctly better than others — but whomever is chosen will still need to go through the winnowing of a phone interview, a visitation, and a visit to us, with consensus from the committee at each step (and with, one would hope, the guidance of the Spirit).
We’re moving forward with all deliberate speed, hoping to have some decisions made by Easter time. I think everyone at the parish is ready for a new rector, esp. as our assistant, Rev. Bonnie, departs next weekend for her new rectorship at another parish back east. She’ll be missed, and it will serve as a true transition from the past to the future — one that, I hope, doesn’t leave us drifting for too long.
I would be thrilled to see a version of that spreadsheet with the identifying information removed. It sounds wonderfully crunchy.
In theory, I already could, since the written answers were given to us “blind.” In practice, I’d need to consider it, since I tend to be over-sensitive to confidentiality in this case (and I’m using it as more of a guideline and clarifier than decision-maker).
Give her our fondest regards and best wishes on her new assignment. We will miss her too. She is a special lady.
Will do, Mom. 🙂