Fidelia's Sisters: An online publication by, for, and about young clergy women, published by The Young Clergy Women Project.

Exegete Your Own Personal Information Form

I would take a good hard look at my information form and ask myself some questions.  From the information I have provided, what are some questions that will likely arise?  Is there anything on my form that I want to be sure to explain further to the search committee?  Are there any theological topics or issues that make me nervous to talk about “off the cuff?”

Because I am prone to either moments of aphasia or rambling when I am nervous, I would take each of these questions and topics and write them on index cards with some notes that would help me to speak clearly and without rambling as I was speaking about these things.

A few of the topics and questions that were on my cards were:

• Why did you change denominations when you became an adult?
• Do you believe Jesus is the “only way?”
• What is your view on GLBT ordination?

Of course, there was no way for me to prepare for every conceivable question that might come up, but these cards helped me more than once when I experienced a "brain fart" during the course of an interview.

Make a List of Questions for the Search Committee

It was important for me to remember that this was a process of mutual discernment and that I was interviewing this committee as much as they were interviewing me.  They should give you an opportunity to ask some questions.  I had a list of questions that I asked every search committee, based upon what I am passionate about in ministry.  Because mission and ministry with children and youth are central to my sense of call, a few questions I always asked were:

• What is your “calling card” to your community? What are you known for in your town?
• How are children and youth involved in your congregation’s ministry?  Are children present and included in worship?

I would also make a list of questions that came up from reading the church’s information form.  For instance,

• What does it mean for you to say you are a “welcoming congregation?”
• Can you tell me more about why you have had three different CE directors in the last three years?

Prepare Your Interview Space

Take some time to prepare the room where you will be having your phone conversation.  For me, that meant, first of all, to make sure that my spouse had the kidlets entertained and contained in another part of the house, or better yet, out of the house all together- just not jumping on my head while I’m trying to be impressive in an interview! 

Also, it was important for me that the room was tidy.  Otherwise, I just couldn’t focus. I would be stewing about why my husband left his socks on the floor rather than paying attention to the interview.  I usually spoke with search committees in my bedroom where I liked to sit on my (made) bed surrounded by my laptop with the church’s information form pulled up, a copy of my information form, my index cards, and my list of questions.

Although I’m particular about my surroundings during phone interviews, I never much worried about how I looked.  I actually did interviews in my jammies once or twice because being comfortable was key for me.  However, if it putting on a little make-up and wearing more professional clothes would help you to feel more confident and put you in the right mindset, then that is what you should do.

Prepare your Heart and Mind

In the minutes before I was expecting the phone to ring, I would take some deep breaths and pray- both for myself and the search committee.  I always needed to remind myself that God was present in all of this.

My Call

I am pleased to report that my time of searching has completed, as I begin a new call on January 1.  Interestingly enough, I didn’t have to do a phone interview for this call because I already lived in the city where the church is located!

Blessings for 2009, my sisters, whether the Spirit is nudging you to seek a new call or making your roots grow deeper where you are. 

Heather Bartlow begins her new call as Pastor of a PC(USA) congregation in Tulsa, OK today.  She is married and the mother of two children.  Be in prayer for Heather, her family, and her congregation as they begin their new relationship together.