About 10 months ago, per the approval of a Vision Assembly, I was asked to form a Call Committee as is the responsibility of the Vice President of the MMC (which I was at the time). A number of dedicated congregation members stepped forward to volunteer for this service, including an additional MMC member and an Elder as required by our MMC Policy Manual, as well as a staff member, and others of various ages, genders and worship service preferences. This most recent version of the Call Committee has proven to be representative of many aspects of our church population, each bringing distinct and valuable insights to the table. We also have worked very well together, which does not mean that we always agree, but that we find ways to discuss our various points and come to a consensus. That being said, the process has provided many learning opportunities for us, and I can speak for the group as a whole when I say that each iteration has shown us areas where we can improve, adjust, and do things better for our team, our candidates, and for our congregation. There isn’t a member on this team that isn’t passionate for the present and future of Mount Olive, and it has been a great honor to serve with each one of them.

Periodically, I try to give updates during the Announcements on Sunday on how the Call Process is going. Over the past few weeks, it has been hard to contain the excitement and prayerful optimism that we have been feeling regarding the current candidate pool. Out of 19 names that were given to us during this round of candidates, we reached out to every single Pastor to see who was willing to speak with us for an interview. As we worked to schedule interviews, we were fortunate enough to get time with 6 Pastors from around the Midwest. This was a strategic change from the first round of candidates early last summer when we tried to narrow down the list on paper and have interviews only with the top couple of candidates. We found it far more effective this time to connect with a broader spectrum up front, allowing us to learn more about styles, beliefs, and skillsets in person. After meeting with all six Pastors, it would be laughable to think that we would have each come away with exactly the same rank order, and yet we found a method by which we could develop a consensus order comfortable enough to present to the MMC and then to the church body. Our congregation should know that any one of these six Pastors could capably lead Mount Olive, and we have been blessed to be presented with such a plethora of options. As we each considered how to prioritize each candidate there are so many aspects that came into play, including:

 • Years of service • Experience with preschools • Availability to relocate
• Traditional vs. contemporary service preferences • Growth strategies
• Relatability • Sermon delivery  • Staff supervision approaches
• Size of current or past churches

…and so many other inputs that are challenging to put into words.  As with past efforts, Mount Olive can rest assured that this Call Committee has dedicated hours of time in meetings and in individual study trying to find that ‘right fit’, the Pastor that is lead by the Spirit to join with us in worship and praise, to lead us in spiritual and physical growth, and to shepherd this amazing flock. God has a plan for us, and we are all very excited to see how it all comes to fruition! Please continue to pray for Mount Olive, the Call Committee, and our candidates, that we might have our Senior Pastor soon.

In Christ,

     Jason Hoopman,
     Call Committee Member 

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