Metropolitan Community Church of Rehoboth Beach

Making Christ's Connection Real

Dear Applicant,

Welcome from Metropolitan Community Church Rehoboth. We are excited that you are interested in MCCR and hope that this information packet answers your questions and gives you a picture of our church and community. Though most people frequent Rehoboth Beach as a vacation spot please do not let this small coastal town inhibit the opportunity to learn more about what really makes up the community and people of Rehoboth (This is a year round community).

For the past three years MCCR has had the pleasure of being guided and enlightened by Senior Pastor and Rev. Dr. Dusty Pruitt. After a long and successful journey down the path of ministering, Rev. Dusty Pruitt has decided to retire and pass the torch on in hopes of leaving MCCR in the capable hands of a new Pastor who can guide and aid in the continuing growth of the congregation. Some of the accomplishments that we have achieved are; our own church building, major increase in membership, multiple successful fund raisers and a congregation that willing volunteers to make this congregation a success.

We have embraced the wishes of Pastor Dusty and are moving forward with the process of finding the one who is called to lead MCCR. This is our journey of growth, embracing and engaging the community at large. After the application packets have been reviewed we will select our top candidates for a Skype/Phone interview.

Please send completed applications by June 20, 2016 to Janet Urdahl at: P.O. Box 191, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 or send an attached email to janet.urdahl@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you. Peace and Blessings!

Janet Urdahl Pastoral Search Committee – Chair

janet.urdahl@gmail.com 302-258-7024

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Checklist of materials:

_____ Resume with educational history and three letters of reference, including one from someone who has supervised you along with contact information.

_____ Completed application form (see attached)

_____ Your current statement of faith and a “Preaching Link” of one or more recent sermons with written transcript of those sermons if available.

_____ Your expected salary.

Mission of MCCR Mission: We are a loving, open, and affirming Christian congregation celebrating the wholeness of body, mind, and spirit.

Rooted in and reaching beyond the Rainbow Community, we offer a safe and encouraging environment for spiritual transformation through worship, learning, growth, and service.

Culture of MCCR church is based on being generous, welcoming and friendly.

Values of MCCR are based on providing a loving, affirming, sharing, vocal, energetic and accepting service each time we come together.

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OUR COMMUNITY

Rehoboth Beach is also referred to as “The Nations Summer Capital”. Approximately 2 hours to Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC.

Rehoboth Beach was incorporated in 1873 to create a Christian seaside resort. By 1878, the railroad was extended to Rehoboth Beach bringing more visitors and business, and in 1879 the town was renamed “The Rehoboth Beach Association.” Rehoboth Beach boasts a mile-long boardwalk that provides tourists and locals opportunities for walking, jogging and cycling just steps away from the ocean. Other board walk activities include miniature golf, arcades, pizza shops, french fries stand and Funland (an affordable price for several hours of fun), a family owned amusement park that has been a landmark on the board-walk for more than 50 years. The town’s bandstand is located at the end intersection of Rehoboth Avenue and the boardwalk, and hosts free entertainment throughout the summer season. Rehoboth‘s year-round population has grown rapidly.

Rehoboth Beach’s zip code (19971) covers a large area. Keep in mind downtown Rehoboth has approximately 1,357 full time residents. The remaining area in this zip code population is approximately 12,000.

Rehoboth Beach experiences mild winters. Winter’s temperatures averages 40 – 50 degrees, fall 60 – 80, spring 60 – 80 and summers 80 – 90.

Just a short drive to the Bayside Resort Golf: an 18 hole Jack Nicklaus Signature course. We offer several golf courses within Rehoboth. We are within the Cape Henlopen School District. Delaware offers tax free shopping and 130 outlets for shopping. The Cape May Lewes Ferry travels to Cape May NJ daily.

For the nature lover we offer numerous biking trails leading around Rehoboth Beach and Lewes. SWith such a wide variety of parks, trails and beaches make this a favorite East Coast playground.

For additional information please go to www.beach-fun.com

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What makes MCCR so special?

We have one worship service with different music options every week.

This one service has a diverse group of individuals averaging 45-65 individuals in attendance each week

We have a large roster of individuals who volunteer in a variety of ways at the service which include; musicians, vocalists, communion servers, acolytes, ushers and hospitality coordinators. There is something for everyone when it comes to music as this responsibility is divided up between four groups of musicians. Offering traditional musical service, contemporary Christian Band and gospel.

We are a very strong community when it comes to fellowship, we have the traditional fellowship after every Sunday service, Pot Lucks every third Saturday of the month, sponsored by individual members and sometimes hosted by parishioners at their homes, Monday night is a “Dine Out” at a local restaurant. We also host a movie night. In addition we participate in community activities including but not limited to road clean up, Pride Fest, AIDS Walk, and Men’s and Women’s Breakfast.

The mix in our congregation is males and females, straight and transgender. The age range is 21-92.

Generally people will return to our church for the primary reason of being made to feel so welcome.

We have several fundraisers during the year including a Crab Feast, Paint Nite and Yard Sale, getting volunteers for these events is never a problem.

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Where can we grow?

Develop a children’s/teen ministry to encourage more families to come to church

Add a second service as the congregation grows starting later in the morning (we would probably end up with a 9:00 Service and an 11:00 Service.

Bible studies and formal Christian education needs to be added to the schedule

Ministry Paths for individuals to truly exercise their spiritual gifts More outreach to the gay and lesbian community More outreach to the teen population in the community Plan for a Music Director We would like to increase the diversity in the congregation. Another area of support would be to hospitals and homebound

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A little bit of information about our congregation….

We have opted not to use an interim pastor as our current pastor came to us as an interim, left when a new pastor came, and then came back to us when the former pastor resigned. This is a congregation rising from the ashes, over three years ago the congregation was down to 12 members and today we have 72 members on our roll. The board believed that using an interim again would be disruptive to the growth of the congregation at this time.

Thirty eight of our congregants participated in our “Readiness Survey” and fifty five people took our survey to discover what they were looking for in a Pastor. Most members have been a part of this congregation for two years or less, most live within 15 to 30 minutes of the church, spiritual backgrounds include the following denominations; Catholic, Methodist, Other Protestant denominations in addition to New Age and Non-denominational (a new pastor will have access to the surveys).

Members of this congregation are doing all of the landscaping at the church, which includes 6 flower gardens, a small space that acts as a quiet place to be in prayer, two raised beds and the plan is to at some point put in a labyrinth. The property is large and can accommodate 50 plus cars in the parking lot with additional parking behind the church. The back of the property is extensive and this is where we have the Crab Feast which is well attended by the local community (last year 125 participants).

Finally our current pastor serves as Vice President on the Lewes Rehoboth Association of Churches (LRAC). This is a coming together of all the churches in the community to provide for benevolence efforts and support ongoing projects in the community at large.

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PASTOR’S PROFILE

MCCR was polled to ensure that we understood what kind of gifts, talents, skills, and abilities they were looking for in a new Pastor. Recognizably we realize that not everyone is going to have all of them.

People Person – Interactive sociable individual who is comfortable in a variety of settings. Incredibly willing to be the face of MCCR in the community. Approachable and willing to listen with the ability to make people feel valued.

Preaching – Proclaims the Word through Christ Centered preaching. Witnesses to the saving power of Christ. Energetic and Charismatic and knowledgeable with the ability to apply biblical lessons to present day living.

Team Builder – Finite ability to develop teams of people to accomplish what is needed for MCCR to continue being a beacon of good news.

Strategic – Bring vision and skill for outreach and growth. Develop and collaborate to find the best route for MCCR.

Leadership – A visionary leader who focuses on developing others to realize their capacity to lead. Able to delegate appropriately to church staff and volunteers; at the same time works closely with church leadership, including board, music and church worship. Provide leadership to heal conflicts and division.

Qualification & Experience – Currently licensed or in the process of getting licensure from UFMCC. Balance of administrative and Pastoral skills. Experienced in conflict resolution with good communication skills.

Gifts and Personal qualities – Empathetic and motivated. Lives with integrity and practices self-care.

Spreading and Sharing – Monthly newsletter “Sea Scapes” by MCCR, keeping the congregation and community up to date with MCCR actives and personal note from

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the Pastor. This also includes keeping the community up to date about LGBT issues and paid and unpaid advertisements in local publications.

Activities- Provide opportunities for involvement in church activities.

Ministries- Develops ministries that help newcomers to become part of the church life. This will also be a pastor who encourages programming to address cultural needs and backgrounds. Also to make regular home, hospital, and nursing home visits.

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PASTOR APPLICATION

The information provided below will remain confidential to the search committee during the preliminary screening. One or more finalist(s) for this position will be asked for permission to make this application available to the members of the Church for viewing in connection with formal candidacy. Please complete the information and add additional pages as necessary.

1. PERSONAL/FAMILY INFORMATION

Last Name First M.I. Date

Street Address Apt. #

City State ZIP

Phone E-mail Address

Date Available Desired Salary

Address where correspondence should be sent

Do you wish your application to be kept confidential? YES NO

How did you learn about this position?

What is it about this position that attracts you?

If you are currently employed, why are you interested in making a change?

If called, can you present evidence of your citizenship and/or proof of your legal right to live and work in this country? YES NO

Are you able to perform the essential functions of the job for which you are applying, either with or without reasonable accommodation? YES NO

If no, describe the functions that you cannot perform:

Some of our parishioners do not speak English. Do you speak, write, or understand any other languages? YES NO

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MCCMetropolitan Community Church

of Rehoboth Beach

If yes, what other languages do you speak?

2. REFERENCES

Section A: Please list the names of six people who know you will and would be willing to serve a references. At least three of the people listed should be able to comment on your spiritual maturity in Christ. Please include your Senior Pastor if applicable, someone you've mentored, and a business of church associate who has knowledge of your leadership ability and achievements.a. Professional Reference:

Full Name Relationship

Phone E-mail Address

b. Professional Reference:

Full Name Relationship

Phone E-mail Address

c. Professional Reference:

Full Name Relationship

Phone E-mail Address

d. Professional Reference:

Full Name Relationship

Phone E-mail Address

e. Two references from someone at your present position:

Full Name Relationship

Phone E-mail Address

Full Name Relationship

Phone E-mail Address

At what point may we contact these references?

Section B: I am MCC transfer candidate at (Name of Church)

Name of transfer denomination

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Contact Person Phone

Address

Section C: I am in candidacy at (Name of Church)

Contact Person Phone

Address

3. EDUCATION

High School

City and State

Year of Graduation

From To Did you graduate? YES NO

College/Graduate School/Seminary

City and State

Major/Focus Degree Year

College/Graduate School/Seminary

City and State

Major/Focus Degree Year

College/Graduate School/Seminary

City and State

Major/Focus Degree Year

Are you currently ordained? YES NO Date

Ordaining Church City and State

Do you hold any pertinent secular certification or licenses? YES NO

If yes, please describe

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4. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: PAID PASTORAL EXPERIENCE

Please list the following information for each employer:a. Full Name Phone

City State Website

Membership when you arrived Current membership

Average weekend attendance upon arrival Current weekend attendance

Annual budget Title/Position Years of Service

Major Responsibilities

b. Full Name Phone

City State Website

Dates of employment (month/year to month/year) to

Average weekend attendance upon arrival Weekend attendance when you left

Title/Position Number of individuals you supervised

Name of individual to whom you reported

Major areas of responsibility

Reason for leaving

c. Full Name Phone

City State Website

Dates of employment (month/year to month/year) to

Average weekend attendance upon arrival Weekend attendance when you left

Title/Position Number of individuals you supervised

Name of individual to whom you reported

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Major areas of responsibility

Reason for leaving

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (CONT.): BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

Please list the following information for each employer:a. Employer Name Phone

City/State/Zip Website

Type of Business Supervisor's Name

Dates of employment (month/year to month/year) to

Monthly Pay Title/Position Years of Service

Major Responsibilities

May we contact this employer for a reference? YES NO

b. Employer Name Phone

City/State/Zip Website

Type of Business Supervisor's Name

Dates of employment (month/year to month/year) to

Monthly Pay Title/Position Years of Service

Major Responsibilities

May we contact this employer for a reference? YES NO

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IF YOU HOLD OR HAVE EVEN HELD ANY TYPE OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSE:

Have you even been licensed/certified for any profession? YES NO

If yes, name the license/certification for each:

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Issuing State:

License/Certification Number:

Was any license/certification ever revoked or suspended for any reason? YES NO

If yes, state the reason(s), date of revocation or suspension, and date of reinstatement, if any:

Have you ever left a job involuntarily? If yes, please explain. YES NO

5. PREVIOUS CRIMINAL OR CIVIL LIABILITY

The questions in this section are designed to help the Church make an informed decision concerning an application for a ministerial position. False or incomplete answers will be grounds to remove an applicant from further consideration or to dismiss from employment an applicant who has been hired.

1. Have you ever been convicted of, or pled guilty or "no context" to, any felony or misdemeanor other than minor traffic violations or convictions for marijuana-related offenses that are more than two years old?

YES NO

If yes, explain fully on a separate sheet (identify each conviction or plea, when and where the conviction or plea occurred and the sentence received).

2. Have you ever been found liable, or participated in an out-of-court settlement as a defendant in YES NO

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any civil lawsuit?

If yes, explain fully on a separate sheet (identify each case number, court, when and where incident occurred, and the verdict rendered or result of the settlement).

3. Have you ever been accused of or investigated for sexual misconduct? (Note: The term "sexual misconduct" here refers to the definition of sexual misconduct of clergy adopted by the General Conference of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community churches in July 1995 and is attached to this application.)

YES NO

If yes, explain fully on a separate sheet (identify when and where each accusation was made and how each accusation was resolved).

4. Have you ever been the subject of disciplinary action by an employer or licensing organization alleging sexual or ethical misconduct? YES NO

If yes, explain fully on a separate sheet.

5. Have you ever been the subject of ecclesiastical discipline by a church or denomination? YES NO

If yes, explain fully on a separate sheet.

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APPLICANT'S STATEMENT

In consideration of the receipt and evaluation of this application by the Church, I agree and represent that:

The information contained in this application is correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand and agree that providing false or misleading information on this application is grounds for my immediate dismissal, if I am hired.

I authorize any references, schools, current of former employers, current or former supervisors, churches or denominational agencies, or any other person or organization, whether or not identified in this application, to give you any information regarding my character and fitness for employment. I hereby release any individual, including record custodians, both collectively and individually, and whether or not identified in this application, from any and all liability for damages or whatever kind or nature which may at any time result to me, my heirs, or family, on account of compliance or any attempts to comply with this authorization. I further state that I have carefully read the foregoing release and know the contents thereof and I sign this release as my own free act.

This is a legally binding release which I have read and understand.

I (initial one) _______ waive _______ do not waive any right that I may have to inspect any information provide about me by any person or organization described above.

I understand and agree that nothing contained in this application for employment or in any pre-employment interview is intended to or shall create a contract between myself and the church for either employment or the providing of any benefit.

DISCLAIMER AND SIGNATURE

This is a legally binding release which I have read and understand.

I (initial one) _______ waive _______ do not waive any right that I may have to inspect any information provide about me by any person or organization described above.

I understand and agree that nothing contained in this application for employment or in any pre-employment interview is intended to or shall create a contract between myself and the church for either employment or the providing of any benefit.

Signature Date

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ANNEX

DISCLOSURE AND AUTHORIZATION TO OBTAIN INVESTIGATIVE CONSUMER REPORT

In connection with my application for employment or promotion or other job change, I understand the of Metropolitan Community Church Rehoboth may obtain an INVESTIGATIVE CONSUMER REPORT that will include information as to my character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living. This report may reveal information about work habits, including oral assessments of my job performance, experiences, and abilities, along with reasons for termination of past employment. Such a report may be requested by Metropolitan Community Church Rehoboth. Further, I understand and agree that Metropolitan Community Church Rehoboth may request information from various federal, state, and other agencies, including public and private sources which maintain records concerning my past activities relating to my driving record, credit history, criminal record, civil matters, previous employment, educational background and professional licensing if any.

I have the right upon written request made within a reasonable period of time (not to exceed 30 days) after receipt of this notice to receive a written disclosure of the nature and scope of any investigation.

If a consumer investigative report is obtained and an adverse decision is made effecting my employment, Metropolitan Community Church Rehoboth will provide to me, before making the adverse decision, a copy of the investigative consumer report and a description in writing of my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

I acknowledge that a fax or copy of this Disclosure and Authorization bearing my signature shall be as valid as the original. This authorization is valid for any consumer report requested at any time during the tenure of my employment. This release is valid for all federal, state, country, and local agencies and authorities.

Name Date of Birth

Address

City State Zip

Driver's License No. State

Signature Date

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Please indicate with a check mark which statements describe the style(s) or worship you prefer and with which you have experience. You may indicate as many as are applicable.

I have experience in ordering worship service that are:

I prefer ordering worship services that are:

Formal and liturgical

Informal and casual

Charismatic

Evangelical

Worship and Praise

Mainline protestant worship

Pentecostal

Mass (Roman Catholic style)

Taizé

Quiet and meditative

A typical MCC (blended)

Varying styles in worship

Other

WORSHIP LEADERSHIP BY THE LAITY AND CLERGY

Please indicate your usual practice and comfort about who leads which part of worship. If you believe laity should always do this, indicate the far left of the continuum. If you believe clergy should always do this, indicate the far right of the continuum. If you believe either can, mark it near the middle.

1. Greeting People as they enter worship

Lay Person 1

2

3

4

5 Clergy

2. Leading the Call to Worship

Lay Person 1

2

3

4

5 Clergy

3. Doing Welcome and Announcements

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Lay Person 1

2

3

4

5 Clergy

4. Reading the Scriptures

Lay Person 1

2

3

4

5 Clergy

5. Preaching

Lay Person 1

2

3

4

5 Clergy

6. Doing a Children's Sermon

Lay Person 1

2

3

4

5 Clergy

7. Leading Music

Lay Person 1

2

3

4

5 Clergy

8. Leading the Prayers

Lay Person 1

2

3

4

5 Clergy

9. Celebrating Communion

Lay Person 1

2

3

4

5 Clergy

10. Praying the Benediction

Lay Person 1

2

3

4

5 Clergy

11. Planning Worship

Lay Person 1

2

3

4

5 Clergy

12. Greeting People as they leave worship

Lay Person 1

2

3

4

5 Clergy

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