THE OPPORTUNITY LIST

By Rev. Kristi Lounsbury

The Opportunity List seeks to inform ministers of staff positions available in congregations and to aid in facilitating a covenant relationship for the glory of God between Cumberland Presbyterian churches and those who serve them.

As of March 1, the primary resource for pastors to learn about open churches will be the Opportunity List, located at www. cpcmc.org/opportunity list.

Other enhancements include :

• The previous online system known as Leadership Referral Services is no longer available. Ministers will find information about open churches by visiting the Opportunity List online.

• The Church Information Form (CIF) has been simplified, providing only the basic facts currently on the front page of the multi-page document. For those churches who complete the ENGAGE process, the questions formerly asked of the search committee will be discussed and answered during the process, creating a more expansive document.

The Process to Promote Open Congregations

• Notify the Director of Congregational Ministries (DCM) that a congregation is open.

• The DCM will contact the congregation to discuss participation in the ENGAGE process.

• Upon the congregation’s decision regarding the ENGAGE process, the onepage CIF will be filled out and placed on the Opportunity List. Those congregations choosing the ENGAGE process will then be listed as either an ENGAGE Graduate or an ENGAGING Congregation.

The Benefits of ENGAGE –The Four Ds

Working through Discovery, Discernment, Development, and Discussion will equip congregations to do ministry for themselves and their community. With this vision, congregations will be aided by:

• In-person meeting with the DCM or other staff member.

• Continued meetings (in-person or via Zoom).

• The DCM (or other staff members) will go through each step of the process with the congregation, investing time on all four Ds to create a fresh new perspective and/or confirmation of their current ministry in preparation for a new pastor.

• Advice on writing their unique CIF in a professional and updated manner.

• Monthly, collaborative Zoom sessions with other churches in the ENGAGE process.

• Quarterly Zoom meetings with guest pastors who will serve as advisors to discuss with churches in the ENGAGE process, concerns or questions regarding the pastoral search and how congregations are able to better address these concerns (Zoom).

• Online resources such as videos on the website.

• One congregation (or member of a congregation) will be showcased weekly via social media.

Please note: Although the process for ENGAGE congregations may take slightly longer, the goal is that ENGAGE congregations will be significantly better equipped with a greater sense of knowing their mission, providing a more accurate picture of the qualities and gifts a pastor needs for a specific congregation.