Members of the Application and Interview Design Subcommittee are the Rev. Dr. Rachel Nyback (St. Cross, Hermosa Beach), chair, Ms. Chet Longid (Holy Trinity and St. Benedict, Alhambra), the Rev. Elizabeth Molitors (Trinity, Santa Barbara), the Rev. Carlos Ruvalcaba (St. Stephen’s, Hollywood).
What does your subcommittee do?
Our committee is responsible for the initial application. We discerned what information we need, given what we have heard from the listening sessions, and what questions we want answered in this initial introduction to a candidate. After applications are in, we will help formulate the Zoom interview process and questions, and also assist with planning for the discernment retreat.
What does that involve?
It involves asking initial important questions and then going deeper with each interaction with a candidate. When our committee was formed, someone described it as going from a blind date (application), to dating (Zoom interview), to going on a trip together (retreat). Each part of the search process helps the candidates learn more about our diocese, and helps us learn more about the candidates. We reviewed all of the information from the Holy Cow! survey and from the listening sessions, both in person and on Zoom. We worked to formulate questions and a process that addresses the hopes and concerns as voiced by our diocese, and as reflected in our profile.
What’s the difference between a nomination and an application?
They are two equally valid ways for someone to become a candidate — nominating oneself by submitting the application and supplemental materials, or being nominated by someone else. Allowing self-nominations means that anyone who wants to become a candidate can do so. Slightly more than half of applications in most searches are self-nominations. One is not better than the other. If someone is nominated by another person, the co-chairs will reach out to the nominator to acknowledge receipt of the nomination. They will then contact the nominee and invite them to apply.
What other paperwork do candidates have to provide?
Besides the application form, we are requesting a cover letter, a resumé, a signed release form, a list of references, responses to five short essay questions, and an updated OTM portfolio from the Episcopal Church’s Office for Transition Ministry. The OTM document includes basic contact information, education, history of ordination, current and previous calls, links to the candidate’s online presence (sermon videos, podcasts), and references, and it asks 11 short essay questions that cover a variety of topics in ministry and leadership.
How did you develop questions for the application? What were you trying to find out?
After reviewing a lot of hopes, dreams, thoughts, and opinions from people all around the diocese, for the initial application our committee wanted questions that would address the desire for someone who is both a pastor to their people and also possesses executive management skills. We are also looking for competency when it comes to both social justice issues and working in multicultural and multilingual settings.