{"id":912,"date":"2021-02-09T14:52:40","date_gmt":"2021-02-09T20:52:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/find-a-new-minister\/"},"modified":"2025-07-29T12:06:04","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T17:06:04","slug":"pastoral-search","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/resources\/pastoral-search\/","title":{"rendered":"Pastoral Search"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pastoral Search<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

PASTORAL SEARCH<\/h3>\n

One of the most important transitions in the life of any church is when one pastor leaves and the church embarks on a search for their next pastor.\u00a0The process can seem daunting, but the NACCC is here to help assist you in this process. The NACCC has developed an online secure platform through this website, known as the Pastoral Search, to help connect churches that have pastoral vacancies to clergy who wish to be considered for open positions.\u00a0Our Pastoral Search platform is a free service to our active member churches and can be accessed by other churches for a fee.<\/p>\n<\/div>

View Open Pulpits<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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HOW IT WORKS<\/h3>\n

Churches use the Pastoral Search platform to provide up-to-date, detailed information a clergy candidate needs. Ministers search through church information to find open positions most meaningful to their experience, polity, and skillset, and are then free to connect with churches to begin the vetting and hiring process.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Open Pulpits<\/h5>\n

is a list of open positions from churches across the country that pastors may search through and use to connect with churches, if interested. The information provided about each open position is submitted by the church searching for a new pastor.<\/p>\n<\/div>

For Churches Seeking New Clergy<\/h6>\n<\/div>

\"\"Log In or Create an Account<\/strong><\/p>\n

Churches that are seeking clergy begin by requesting a Pastoral Search account. The NACCC team will verify your status as a member or nonmember and follow up accordingly. Non-member churches are required to pay a fee prior to accessing the Pastoral Search tools.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\"Complete Church Profile<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once approved, each participating church must complete a Pastoral Search Church Information Form (CIF). This form asks detailed questions about your church, congregation, demographics, polity, and more. The CIF may take some time to complete so you may need to plan accordingly.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\"Verify Position Listing <\/strong><\/p>\n

NACCC staff members will verify and approve the information from your CIF form and then list the position. The open position will be listed in two forms – a front-facing version with limited information that is open to the public, and the full-length more detailed version for clergy who have registered accounts to view.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\"Connect with Ministry Candidates<\/strong><\/p>\n

You will be notified by email when a registered pastor applies for the open position at your church. Once you receive a notification of interest, you may log into your Open Pulpits account and view the interested pastor\u2019s full profile and pursue further communication from there.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Remember:<\/strong> Help is just a phone call (414-856-1620) or email<\/a> away. We are always ready to be of assistance. May God bless you in your search process.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Minister PRofiles<\/h5>\n

are the profiles of NACCC registered pastors searching for available positions. Each minister completes a profile (or resume) detailing their work history, education, polity, and experience. The information is provided to the NACCC directly and is vetted through our background checking system.<\/p>\n<\/div>

For Pastors Seeking a New Position<\/h6>\n<\/div>

\"\"Log In or Create an Account<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pastors that are seeking new positions begin by requesting a Pastoral Search account. The NACCC staff will verify your status as a member or non-member and follow up accordingly. If you are not affiliated with an NACCC member church you must submit an administrative fee of $100 made payable to the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches along with your Minister Disclosure File in order to access the tools.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\"Complete Information Disclosure Steps<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once approved, each pastor must complete a Pastoral Search Minister Disclosure File in accordance with the NACCC Disclosure Protocol and Policy. The Disclosure File may take some time to complete, so plan accordingly. The Minister Disclosure File is not a “personnel file” nor is it confidential. However, the files are not open to general inspection. All questions concerning this form should be directed to Laura Wright<\/a>, Church Services Coordinator. You may also call the NACCC office at (414) 856-1620.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\"Complete Minister Profile<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once your Minister Disclosure File is complete, you will be given full access to your Minister Profile, where you will complete the Minister Information Form (MIF). This form asks detailed questions about your experience, education, polity, and more, and is the main information for your profile. When you connect with a church of interest, they will have complete access to your completed profile.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\"Connect with Churches<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once you are registered and have completed your MIF, you will be given access to all open positions. When you find a position of interest, you may contact the church directly through the Pastoral Search tools, inviting them to review your profile. Churches interested in your profile will follow up accordingly.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Sign In<\/a> Create an Account<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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UNDERSTANDING THE PASTORAL SEARCH PROCESS<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
The basic steps a church will move through are:<\/h5>\n<\/div>