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The Metropolitan Community Church of Portland’s Pastoral Search Committee (PSC) is pleased and excited to announce Reverend Nathan L. Meckley as Candidate for Senior Pastor. As a pastor with an obvious sense of vitality and enthusiasm, Rev. Meckley has demonstrated outstanding gifts, talents, and characteristics.
Rev. Meckley is a gifted preacher and teacher, a professionally trained musician, and a strong administrator. He has won a variety of sermon and preaching awards for sermons which are exciting and challenge the thinking of the listener. He has served as adjunct faculty at the Pacific School of Religion and taught courses, workshops and seminars at different conferences and meetings. His musical background offers a new level of worship planning and collaboration with MCC Portland’s many talented musicians.
As an administrator, Reverend Meckley has experience in personnel management in large churches and managing multiple staff members. He has demonstrated effectiveness in increasing financial health and has developed and managed budgets that have exceeded half a million dollars.
Reverend Meckley has a commitment to multi-generational worship and community. He has experience in building youth involvement in worship and has developed a progressive, spiritual Vacation Bible School for all ages.
Rev. Meckley has always had a commitment to social justice, a commitment which has grown over his last few years of ministry. He, along with other progressive clergy, organized protests which focused media coverage on transgender rights.
Serving in MCC ministry since 1983, Rev. Meckley was ordained in 2003. He possesses an intimate knowledge of MCC culture, values, history, and personnel through long-term denominational service.
He has most recently served as Interim Senior Pastor at King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church of St Petersburg, FL from July of 2006 to January of 2008 where he provided transition guidance for the interim period, supervised multiple staff, and worked to improve administrative and financial systems. Reverend Meckley was Associate Pastor of New Spirit Community Church in Berkeley, CA from March of 2004 to June of 2006, and Interim Associate Pastor at City of Angels Metropolitan Community Church of Glendale, CA from November 2003 to March 2004. He has also served in various positions at MCC San Diego, San Diego CA and MCC Los Angeles, in West Hollywood, CA. Rev. Meckley was Assistant to the Second Vice-Moderator of the denomination for seven years and Executive Associate at UFMCC for four years.
PSC member Dan Brown said, “I am filled with excitement as we anticipate Nathan Meckley’s election as our next Senior Pastor. I was impressed with his joy when he shared his love for all people of faith and his call to the ministry.” PSC member Liz Paterson shared that she is “so excited that Nathan is our candidate for many reasons. From our experience interviewing him to the glowing reviews from his references, we’ve discovered that his respect and consideration of every view point is one of his greatest strengths. It seems that Nathan is someone capable of caring for all parts of the church body.”
Reverend Meckley was delighted to accept the invitation to candidate for the Senior Pastor position for Metropolitan Community Church of Portland. He stated that he has “a profound commitment to the priesthood of all believers with a fully empowered and equipped lay ministry. A vibrant church will be (…or will become) a community where every member knows s/he is a minister!”
Reports from the Pastoral Search Committee
3/31/08
The Pastoral Search Committee interviewed applicants for the Senior Pastor position. Each member of the PSC participated in asking the applicants questions and making comments during telephone conversations. The committee is examining: how applicants meet criteria from the congregation survey; references; background check results; and responses to applicant sermons submissions. The committee members are moving forward prayerfully and faithfully in the discernment process. Congregational members can contact Hyla Richey or Leah Clause with any comments or questions regarding the pastoral search process; the email address for the PSC is mccpsc@gmail.com.
3/25/08
The PSC met Saturday morning and reviewed sermons and other materials submitted by Senior Pastor applicants. There was discussion about the information submitted to the committee and decisions were made to contact references for applicants and schedule telephone interviews. Structure and content of the phone interview were determined as well as best dates and times for the members of the PSC; applicant availability will be determined and PSC members will receive email confirmation for the interviews. Communication protocols were reviewed to make sure that information continues to be shared with the congregation through the MCCP website, link on the email distribution list, church Fireside room, and in the weekly church bulletin. Timelines and assignments for the PSC were also discussed. The PSC offered prayers of healing for Reverend Elder Ken Martin who has been ill as well as for one of our members who was taken to the hospital the morning of the meeting. The PSC continues to act prayerfully and faithfully as we move forward to discern the one whom God has already chosen to pastor our church. Congregational members can contact Hyla Richey or Leah Clause with any comments or questions regarding the pastoral search process; the email address for the PSC is mccpsc@gmail.com.
3/15/08
The Pastoral Search Committee met Saturday morning to review sermons submitted by applicants for the Senior Pastor position. A Pre-Review team of the PSC examined the applicants’ materials and reported to the group. The purpose of that pre-review was to make sure that the individuals who have applied meet the minimum required criteria. After that review 5 sermons were watched and heard by the committee. Discussion followed each sermon.
The PSC reviewed communication avenues for information updates to the congregation and upcoming timelines and assignments. The next meeting of the PSC will be March 22nd at which time the focus of the meeting will be on reviewing more applications and sermons. The committee is also preparing for telephone interviews to be scheduled March 29th. Congregational members can contact Hyla Richey or Leah Clause with any comments or questions regarding the pastoral search process; the email address for the PSC is mccpsc@gmail.com
3/1/08
The PSC members and Reverend Elder Ken Martin met Saturday, March 1st. The main thrust of the meeting was to review the status of the invitational process for potential candidates for the MCCP Senior Pastor position and design protocols for reviewing applicants. Discussion included how to ensure a cohesive approach to areas of the review process and determine how potential candidates embody the minimum characteristics in the congregational survey qualifications. This will be determined by review of the materials sent to us by the applicants, applicant reference documents, and interview questions, and applicant responses to the materials requests sent in the packets.
A sub-committee was formed to pre-review candidate application materials to ensure that the applicants meet minimum qualifications. An assignment was made to all PSC members to review several documents and report back for collation of ideas by March 7th. The PSC is striving to be fair, objective, and have measurable assessment of the potential candidates.
There was also a presentation of Application Review Protocol Proposal that includes 6 steps: assess applicants’ to determine that they meet minimum criteria; listen to applicants’ sermons; review experience levels and obtain references; select candidates for phone interviews; select a candidate for face-to-face interview; and identify candidate and plan candidate week.
The PSC chair and vice-chair reported to the group about contacting potential candidates to ensure they have received packets. Communications protocols were reviewed to make sure that transparency of process is maintained; these channels include the MCCP website, link on MCCP email distribution list, meeting minutes in the MCCP fireside room, and information update in the worship bulletin. Timelines and assignments were reviewed; the next meeting of the PSC will be March 15th. Congregational members can contact Hyla Richey or Leah Clause with any comments or questions regarding the pastoral search process; the email address for the PSC is mccpsc@gmail.com
2/16/08
The PSC met to discuss and edit content for the packet for potential candidates. The DVD was reviewed, as well as the introduction letter written by the chair to invite the pastor to submit application and to describe the contents of the parcel. All materials were reviewed and the committee participated in filling mailing envelopes with the materials. A blessing was given over the materials before their delivery to the post office. The chair of the PSC and PSC members will address the congregation on February 17th.
February 17, 2008 PSC Congregational Update Given to 9 AM, 11 AM, and 6 PM Services
We hope that you have been reading the updates that we have been sending out through our communications channels:
1) MCCP website: Information update
2) Email distribution list: information update--there will be link in the email to the MCCP website
3) Fireside room: meeting minutes
4) Worship bulletin: information update
The PSC members frequently communicate through meetings, email discussion, and phone conversations. We are also in communication with our Regional Elder Ken Martin who guides us through this process.
The Chair and Vice-Chair are the individuals designated to communicate information to the congregation.
Frequent meetings: The PSC meets on a regular basis.
Timeline: We have been following a timeline to ensure an efficient process.
We are also competing with other churches that are searching for a new pastor, so although we don’t want to miss any opportunities or qualified candidates, we must proceed in a timely manner.
Confidentiality: Our process is transparent. All potential candidate names are confidential, as is our discussion of these candidates.
PROCESS
Invitation: We are using an invitation process: potential candidate names have been offered by you, congregational members; Regional Elder suggestions; and PSC member suggestions.
Evaluation of Potential Candidates: Potential candidates are evaluated according to Senior Pastor Qualifications From the Congregational Survey and Minimal Candidate Qualifications as determined by the PSC.
Packets have been sent to potential candidates. Packet information is displayed on the Fireside Room table.
Packet content includes: Introduction to Packet Contents Letter; CD; DVD; MCCP Church Bulletin (February 17, 2008); Just Out (February 15, 2008); Travel Portland 2007-2008 Official Visitor’s Magazine
Invitations have been sent out and March 10 is the deadline for applications to be received. Evaluation of potential candidates will be begun on March 15th.
Timelines: Timelines are as follows, and we will keep to these milestones as best as we can:
- Selection of Prospective Candidate(s) (To be complete by March 30, 2008)
- Presentation of the Candidate to the Congregation (April 13, 2008)
- Facilitate the election on April 20, 2008
Please continue to pray for the one who will be our pastor, the PSC, and for our church. We move through this process with joy and excitement for the future of our church.
2/9/08
The Pastoral Search Committee met on February 9, 2008. All members of
the committee were present, along with Reverend Elder Ken Martin, who
acts as our advisor and guide in the Senior Pastor search process. Reports
were presented on behalf of the Pastoral Contract and Compensation Team
and the Community Profile Team. A draft of the Senior Pastor Covenant
was discussed and approved by the PSC. The video with accompanying Elevation
music was presented to the group, and the video looks great. More edits
will be made before the project is finalized and the Community Profile
Team will have the project completed by next Saturday’s meeting.
The new MCC-Portland-PSC mailbox is P.O. Box 13312, Portland, OR 97213-0312.
Contents of the packet to be sent to potential candidates were discussed;
materials have been developed and will be included in electronic form
on a DVD. These materials include but are not limited to an application,
request for supplemental materials, background check permission form,
MCCP information, and demographics, etc. Other materials will be included,
such as Just Out and Portland Visitor’s Bureau publications. The
PSC plans on presenting packet materials to the congregation next Sunday.
The communications avenues were reviewed and discussed. The PSC will continue
to monitor and update these avenues, which include: Information updates
for the MCCP website, Email Distribution List, and Worship Bulletin, as
well as PSC Minutes posting in the Fireside room.
Methods for reviewing potential candidate submissions were discussed,
as well as a ratings method; these discussions will be carried forward
into the next meeting. Rev Elder Ken Martin gave examples of how other
PSC’s have conducted their assessments. He also gave input on the
proceedings of the MCCP PSC and advised the committee to keep to its current
timelines.
Timelines and assignments of the PSC members were reviewed before adjournment.
The next PSC meeting will be in one week.
If you have any comments or questions, please contact PSC Chair Hyla Richey or PSC Vice Chair Leah Clause.
1/26/08
The
PSC met January 26th and discussed a list of potential candidates for
senior pastor. The individuals were evaluated to determine if each met
the list of minimal criteria in a potential candidate for senior pastor,
as determined by the PSC members, are listed below:
- 5 years as a senior pastor, or a minimum of 5 years combined experience at a primary staff level (e.g., senior pastor, associate pastor, or assistant pastor) in combination with significant experience in a large church multi-staff setting or executive or senior management experience in a business or non-profit environment.
- Demonstrated excellence in administration and personnel.
- Master of Divinity or equivalent preferred.
- Ordained as MCC Clergy preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years membership in UFMCC.
The Community Profile Team reported that they are nearly finished with their assignment that includes a presentation on the church, a letter describing the church and the city, and a visitor’s bureau magazine. There are also drafts of other materials that include: an application form, list of supplemental documents, interview questions. The pastoral compensation and contract team has received comments from our church counsel regarding legal aspects and the subcommittee will report on that document at the next meeting. The PSC will be completing documents and content for a packet to be sent to potential candidates along with a letter asking if the individual will apply for the senior pastor position. The next meeting of the PSC is scheduled in two weeks.
January 12, 2008
The
PSC met on Saturday morning, January 12th. Discussions for our meeting
included clarification on how business is to be conducted by the committee.
It was determined that there must be a majority of members present in
order to hold a meeting and a quorum to vote. There were discussion on
content of the Senior Pastor contract and content of the packet to be
sent to potential candidates. Communication avenues were reviewed to ensure
flow of information, including an information update in the MCCP website,
worship bulletin, and email distribution list. A copy of the meeting minutes
will continue to be displayed on the fireside room bulletin board.
The PSC discussed the criteria for candidates for the Senior Pastor position and voted to adopt the following criteria:
Qualifications From the Congregational Survey:
- Strong Teacher/Preacher.
- Ability to attract new members.
- Has a sense of Humor.
- Ability to continue excellence in worship.
- Ability to assist in improving financial health.
- Ability to continue focus on youth and multi-cultural emphasis.
- Cares about music.
- Focus on Social Justice.
- Has a strong emphasis on hospitality.
- Ability to empower the laity.
- Strong administrative skills.
- Focus on building and retention.
Candidate Qualifications:
- 5 years as a senior pastor, or a minimum of 5 years combined experience at a primary staff level (e.g., senior pastor, associate pastor, or assistant pastor) in combination with significant experience in a large church multi-staff setting or executive or senior management experience in a business or non-profit environment.
- Demonstrated excellence in administration and personnel.
- Master of Divinity or equivalent preferred.
- Ordained as MCC Clergy preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years membership in UFMCC.
The PSC committee members will begin the process of reviewing potential candidates from the list of all the names proposed by the list proposed by the UFMCC Elders, MCCP congregants, and PSC committee members. The PSC members will review and discuss the qualifications of these potential applicants in the next committee meeting. If you have any questions regarding the Pastoral Search, please direct your questions to Hyla Richey, PSC Chair or Leah Clause, PSC Vice Chair.
If you have any questions regarding the Pastoral Search, please direct your questions to Hyla Richey, PSC Chair or Leah Clause, PSC Vice Chair at mccpsc@gmail.com.
12/21/07
At the last Pastoral Search Committee meeting members reviewed preliminary
information from the Pastoral Contract Compensation team and the Community
Profile Team. Both teams will continue to work on these tasks in order
to have them completed by the end of December.
The PSC reviewed communications from the committee to the congregation that includes update information in the worship bulletin, MCCP website, church distribution list emails, and on display in the fireside room. Communications avenues from the congregation, elders, and senior pastor candidates were discussed; email and post office box channels are being established for free flow of information.
Senior pastor search criteria and potential candidates were discussed; these will continue to be refined and candidate names compiled.
Moderator Gen Dupre requested to step down as Moderator of the PSC and Hyla Richey was voted to become the new Moderator of the committee.
Timelines and milestones for the search process were discussed and future meetings scheduled.
If any member has any questions or concerns about the Pastoral Search, please direct questions to Hyla Richey, Moderator, or Leah Clause, Vice Moderator. Members should feel free to contact Hyla or Leah at church, or via email at mccpsc@gmail.com.
12/12/07
The Pastoral Search Committee is very pleased to announce that we received
a grand total of 95 responses from the feedback forms that were distributed.
We would like to thank everyone that participated and helped contribute
to the selection which we will be working from. Below you will find the
top responses and the number of votes that each received.
Strong teacher preacher - 80
Attract new members - 50
Have a sense of humor - 47
Continue excellence in worship - 43
Assist in improving financial health - 37
Continue focus on youth and multi-cultural emphasis - 34
Care about music - 31
Social justice - 31
Strong emphasis in hospitality – 29
We would also like to invite members of the congregation to suggest candidates for Senior Pastor. This can be done to any PSC member or via email at mccpsc@gmail.com.
Throughout the process of the Pastoral Search, you might be wondering what is going on… Please take a look in the following locations for updated information: Sunday bulletin, Fireside room for our minutes, Wes’s email for small blurb’s, and if you have any problems accessing any of these methods please contact one of us and we will be happy to assist you.
If you have any questions or concerns about the Pastoral Search please direct your questions to Gen Dupre, Moderator, or Leah Clause, Vice Moderator. If you are not able to find either of us, feel free to contact us via email at mccpsc@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Leah Clause, Vice Moderator, Pastoral Search Committee
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