About Rev. Georgia's Retirement: When is Rev. Georgia retiring? July 1st, 2022
Who is on the Succession Team and how did they get chosen? The Succession Team was chosen by Rev. Georgia and is made up of active long-time members who have demonstrated commitment to CSA with their time, talent, and treasure. They are: Aimée Zenzele Barnes, Chair and members Tim Garcia, Rev. Bryndé Lambert, Leah Eldridge, RScP, Rebecca Davis, and Jeff Pollard.
What is the timeline for finding the next Senior Minister? Nov 1st: Request for applications submitted to the Centers for Spiritual Living (CSL), our denomination headquarters. January 1st: Application deadline. Month of January the Succession Team evaluates all applications and chooses three to “candidate” (CSL’s word for audition) Feb. 6th, 20th, 27th Chosen Candidates to present a sermon and workshop. (leaving the 13th for the Superbowl.) March 15th the Succession team will make their recommendation to the board. April 1st a contract will be offered to the new Senior Minister. May, the new Senior Minister will work with Rev. Georgia for two months before starting July 1st.
Will Rev. Georgia stay on as Minister Emeritus? No, Rev. Georgia feels strongly that it is in the best interest of the church that she leave the church in the capable hands of the new minister without any interference.
Who will make the decision as to who the next minister is? The Board of Trustees will make the final decision. A Succession Team will review all applications, determine finalists, invite finalists to CSA to present a sermon and workshop and meet separately with the Board and Practitioners. Once that is complete, the Succession Team will make a recommendation to the Board for consideration.
Will the congregation have a vote? No, but the congregation will be asked for feedback following each candidate’s visit regarding their sermon and workshop experience. Since being the Senior Minister is much more than Sunday, the Succession Team and ultimately the Board will need to evaluate their administrative and business skills as well as their speaking skills.
Will there be change? YES, of course, that’s the exciting part. We need to give the new Senior Minister the time to make changes and work with him or her to take CSA into our next expression of compassion, generosity and social justice.
Will children still be a priority at CSA? Of course!
Will our music change? It may, that will be up to the next Senior Minister and his or her vision for the role music plays in our services.
Will we still have a commitment to “all paths to God” being celebrated on Sundays and in programs and classes? Yes, that is part of being in Science of Mind and all ministers are trained in the contributions of “other” religions.
Will inclusion and social justice still be a priority at CSA? We have built attention to both inclusion and social justice into the competencies that we’re looking for in a new minister, so yes, it will continue to be a priority. It may look different, but it will be a part of who we are.
Has somebody already been selected and we’re just going through the motions of an “open pulpit?” No one has been selected at this time.
What Qualities are we asking of the new Senior Minister?
demonstrates Science of Mind Principles in personal & professional life
interest and skill in working with a diverse congregation
dynamic and engaging speaker
skilled in conflict resolution and team building
Interest in fostering interfaith connection
interest and experience in working with social justice issues
demonstrated skill in managing a small business or non-profit org.
overseeing a compassionate pastoral care response to church & community members.
willingness to learn and confront one’s ethnocentrism, prejudice, and bias.
comfort with initiating, managing, and leading in a new direction
If you have questions or concerns, please email Succession team chair Aimée Zenzele Barnes at azenzele.barnes@gmail.com