We’ve taken a hard look at ourselves and our expectations, conducting a thorough self-evaluation that included both qualitative (“Come to the Table” discussions) and quantitative (65-question survey) assessments and involved a total of 176 participants (discussions) and 233 respondents (survey). 

This process has helped us to discern the essential requirements of the rector we need to lead Calvary in 2012 and beyond.  

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We are a varied group, in age, thought, faith backgrounds, politics, and opinions. Diversity is a strength that we celebrate, and yet it is also something that occasionally keeps members of the parish from working together and can impede progress or change. We seek a rector who can skillfully and compassionately listen, help build consensus, articulate shared goals, and continue an open dialogue about mission, vision, and ministry with parishioners and staff.

We are a worship-centered community and connect to God and one another in the worship experience. For many parishioners, a vital part of that experience is an inspiring and challenging sermon that encourages spiritual growth. In addition, Calvary has a strong tradition of inquisitive, openminded classes for faith formation. We want a new rector who will be an empowering force in our spiritual lives, through both preaching and teaching, helping us nurture a transformative connection to the Holy.

Calvary has a big church/special church mentality with many complex programs and a large budget to match—more than double what a church of Calvary’s average Sunday attendance requires to run parish programs. But our ministry structure needs attention and reorganization. A qualified rector will have the organizational and administrative skills to manage clergy and staff in a near-resource size parish with the many outreach, inreach, worship, education and fellowship opportunities that are both challenges and gifts. Key among those skills will be an ability to collaborate and delegate: 88% of survey participants disagree or disagree strongly that the rector should make all decisions, meaning we as a congregation must help drive the mission and vision of Calvary.

We seek a rector with the wisdom and experience to see us clearly, and with enthusiasm for leading us into the future.

A rector who…

• Builds consensus.

• Models and teaches ways to cultivate a special relationship with God.

• Encourages clergy and staff to form close friendships with church members.

• Is easily approachable and closely connected to parishioners.

• Leads our efforts to show God’s love in downtown Memphis.

• Enables all to discern God’s call to the parish.

• Articulates our vision.

• Equips the parish to carry that vision into practice.

• Brings a sense of humor

A strong theme that ran through all our self-assessments is joy.  Calvary is perceived as a joyful place, one that revels in the grace of God’s abundant goodness. Perhaps one of the most crucial characteristics of Calvary’s next leader is an ability to both share and communicate joy with us.