About the Search Process
For our Community
What is the Search Committee?
The Search Committee is a group of 9 members of St James' who were selected by the Vestry and are charged with managing the process of searching for our new rector.
Does the Search Committee choose the rector?
No, the Search Committee gives the Vestry a list of 3 candidates, all of whom have been approved by the Bishop of the Diocese of Texas, and all of whom we believe would inspire and lead St. James' Episcopal Church as our rector. The Vestry makes the final selection.
Who is St. James' Episcopal Church priest in the interim?
Father Jeffrey Walker has been the Interim Rector of St. James‚ since the end of November, 2007. Jeffrey was the Rector of Christ Church, Greenwich, Connecticut from 1993 until his retirement. Previously to that time, he served on the staff of Christ Church Cathedral in Houston as Canon from 1975 to 1979, and was the Rector of Palmer Church, Houston from 1980 until 1993. While in the Diocese of Texas, he served in a variety of capacities, including the Executive Board of the diocese, and was a Founding Member of the Board of Trustees of The Episcopal High School of Houston. He also served on the Board of Trustees and Board of Regents of The University of the South. He currently is in his fourteenth year of serving as a member of the board of The General Theological Seminary in New York City.
What's involved in the search process?
The search process has 5 major steps:
- Preparation, which includes naming and organizing the Search Committee,
and planning the process.
- Information Gathering, which includes surveying and meeting with as many
parishioners as possible to get their input.
- Developing the Parish Profile, a detailed presentation of who we are
now as a parish and our hopes for future mission.
- Disseminating the profile through the national church and preparing for
how candidates will be evaluated, and
- Screening, interviewing and, finally, recommending 3 candidates for Vestry consideration.
How long does the process take?
Most rector searches take between one and two years.
Why does the search process take so long?
Making sure that the parish profile is an accurate and thorough description of the parish, and that it reflects the wishes and hopes of all parishioners takes considerable time. Screening and interviewing can also be time consuming, especially if the parish profile generates a lot of interest.
What role do other members of the congregation not on the Search Committee play in the process?
First of all, their ongoing prayers for the Search Committee and the success of the search process are vital. We also need all members of the congregation to contribute their thoughts and concerns regarding the future mission of St. James' Episcopal Church, and their opinions about the characteristics they most want our new rector to possess.
Can I share my views or concerns directly with the Search Committee?
Yes, please feel free to contact any member of the Search Committee directly.
What is the parish profile?
The parish profile is a snapshot of who we are as a parish as of 2008, what our ministries are, what we hope to focus on in the future, and what we are looking for in the rector who will lead and inspire us to do Christ's work in the world.
How will the Search Committee evaluate the potential candidates?
We will review their resumes, ask them to answer a series of questions, and invite finalists to visit St. James' for in-person interviews.
Why can't the congregation know who you're considering as our rector?
The success of the search process depends on the members of the Search Committee being absolutely candid with each other, and knowing that our comments will not be shared outside of the committee. For example, if a committee member expresses reservations about the individual who is finally selected as rector and this information is made public, the relationship between these two individuals, and even the rector's ability to enter the congregation without controversy could be compromised. Confidentiality is essential for the congregation to meet the new rector without any preconceptions or prejudice.