The Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (PPRC) is collecting your suggestions and questions regarding the appointment of our next Senior Pastor.
In preparation, the PPRC has offered a way for you to know more. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs). See below...
This is also an opportunity to share ideas about the qualities and characteristics you desire in the next Senior Pastor. You can email these to or drop them in the suggestion/question boxes available at church in Linder Lounge and at the office.
In these ways we continue to set the table for the future.
Interim Lead Pastor, Rev.Dr. Phil Amerson
FAQ
- Q: Who will choose our next Lead Pastor?
- Q: Who are our Bishop and our District Superintendent?
- Q: What is the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (PPRC), and who serves on it?
- Q: How is our church leadership involved in the decision?
- Q: How can I be involved in the decision?
- Q: When will the new Lead Pastor start?
- Q: More Questions?
1. Q: Who will choose our next Lead Pastor?
A: A new Lead Pastor for First United Methodist Church of San Diego (FUMCSD) will be appointed by the bishop of the California Pacific Annual Conference after consultation with our church’s Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (PPRC).
According to the United Methodist Book of Discipline, the bishop appoints all pastors with consideration of the gifts and evidence of God’s grace of those appointed, to the needs, characteristics, and opportunities of congregations and institutions, and with faithfulness to the commitment to an “open itineracy.” Open itineracy means appointments are made without regard to race, ethnic origin, gender, color, disability, marital status, or age.
2. Q: Who are our Bishop and District Superintendent?
A: Our Bishop is Rev. Dr. Grant Hagiya and our District Superintendent is Rev. John Farley.
3. Q: What is the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (PPRC), and who serves on it?
A: The PPRC is charged with building a strong relationship between the church staff and the congregation. The committee meets monthly and works with the pastors and district superintendent to develop an organizational structure that reflects the needs and mission of the church.
Current members of our church serving on the committee include: Bonnie Schwartz (chair), Shane Balderston, Patti Blakeslee, Gary Cox, Gary Nelson, Margie Newman, Ryan Reppe, Linda Shirley, and Mandy Woods. These individuals are elected at the charge or church conference(s) each year. Additional committee members include the Church Council Chairperson, Lay Leaders and Lay Delegates to the Annual Conference.
4. Q: Q: How is our church leadership involved in the decision?
A: The Bishop and District Superintendent consult with our Pastor-Parish Relations Committee to learn more about the needs, goals and unique contextual realities of our church, as well as to hear about the desired qualities and characteristics sought in the next Lead Pastor. This consultation is advisory in nature. The PPRC does not select or vote on a pastor, the new pastor is ultimately the bishop’s decision.
5. Q: How can I be involved in the decision?
A: Several ways!
- Send an email to and tell the PPRC the qualities and characteristics you’ve prayerfully considered and desire in our next pastor.
- Provide your feedback directly to a PPRC member.
- Write down and submit your suggestions in one of several comment boxes in the church office and in Linder Lounge labeled “New Lead Pastor.” These boxes will be available beginning October 7.
6. Q: When will the new Lead Pastor start?
A: The goal is for our new Lead Pastor to be appointed in the spring of 2019 and begin serving our church in July.
7. Q. This was helpful, but what do I do if I have more questions?
Your feedback and questions are always welcome. Please email the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee at
. Here is a contact directory of those identified above.