Pastor Update & Timeline

Dear Park Avenue,

We are on a journey of acquiring a new pastor! In meeting with Michelle Hargrave, our UMC District Superintendent, we got some clarification on the timeline and key elements of this journey and process that we wanted to share with you. 

Late September/Early October 2025: 

We will be having Congregational Listening Sessions to hear from all of you, what you believe are the missional priorities of our church, and the characteristics and skills that you believe are most important in/for our new pastor.  These sessions will be open to all members and regular attenders of Park Avenue United Methodist.
 

Late October/November 2025:

- The input/information gathered during the listening sessions will be reviewed by the Leadership Board/SPRC. 
 

- The Leadership Board, with the recommendations of the Finance Team, will determine a financial package that we are able to offer to our new pastor.
 

- The Leadership Board/SPRC will share the summary of the listening sessions and this financial package with the congregation.
 

December 2025:

Details finalized and given to Michelle Hargrave.
 

January 2026:

The “Cabinet,” our Bishop, and the District Superintendents in our Conference will meet to make pastoral appointments for churches in our Conference.  This is a prayerful time of seeking the guidance and discernment of the Holy Spirit as they make these important decisions.  They will be focused on making the “best, available, missional match” for our church.

We know that Park Avenue United Methodist is a very special, unique, multicultural place within the UMC denomination, and finding the right match for us may require expanding the search for our new pastor beyond what they normally do.  It’s our understanding that they are willing to do this if needed.  They want us to have a pastor who is the “right match” for our church.
 

February 2026 and beyond:
 

When the Cabinet determines a potential pastor for us, that person will meet with our SPRC/Leadership Board to assess whether to confirm this “match.”  If both are in agreement, the appointment is made. If either party does not feel it is right to move forward, the appointment is not made.  The Cabinet then regroups to identify another potential pastor for us.  As throughout the entire process, the SPRC/Leadership Board will keep the congregation up to date on the status of the search and appointment process.

Blessings!

Sara Schulz & Karen Johnson, Leadership Board Co-Chairs

Pam Sveinson, Board Member, SPRC Lead