FAQ
Why are we embarking on this Pastor search?
In response to this past year’s pastoral staff changes and restructuring, we are seeking to hire a new position, Senior Associate Pastor. Additionally, Randy Hageman, who has faithfully served Gateway for over 19 years, has asked the Church Council to partner with him while he prepares for his retirement and a responsible succession plan for Gateway. Randy does not have a set timeline for his retirement and his priority is to continue to shepherd Gateway until God calls him to his next season in life, assisting in a seamless transition.
How are we going about this search?
Your Gateway Church Council, with the support of Pastor Randy, has initiated a Pastoral Search Committee for identifying candidates to fill our current needs of Senior Associate Pastor, while also focusing on who God would provide or prepare for our future leadership needs.
What is the expected timeline for this new hire?
The Pastoral Search Committee has assembled the necessary information to begin the search, and are able to begin looking at candidates for the position. Before widening the search to internet job sites, the search committee will be accepting applications from candidates generated from our church family and from within our local body of organizational oversight, the Global Methodist Church (GMC).
Who will make the final determination on the new hire?
The Pastoral Search Committee will make the recommendation of candidates to the Church Council after a vetting process by the GMC. The Church Council will select the candidate for the Senior Associate Pastor, and the Bishop will finalize the appointment. The Church Council has official authority for who is selected.
Will the new pastor be appointed by the GMC?
Gateway Church Council will be the deciding body for the selection of the Senior Associate Pastor. Upon selection, the Bishop of the Trinity Conference of the GMC will appoint the candidate as the Senior Associate Pastor with the intent that the candidate assume the responisibilities of the Senior Pastor in the future.
Is there a term limit for pastoral assignments made by the GMC?
As per the GMC Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline (governance), there is no term limit for the appointments of GMC clergy.
Will the new pastor be an ordained minister?
It is the intent to fill the Senior Associate Pastor position with an ordained minister. One of the qualifications for this position is for the candidate to possess the educational requirements necessary to apply as an Elder in the GMC. If the candidate is not a GMC pastor, the candidate will have to become an ordained minister within the GMC after attaining the position.
Will this new pastor eventually replace Pastor Randy?
The ideal candidate for the Senior Associate Pastor is someone who has solid experience in leading ministry staff and is spiritually gifted as a teacher. We desire to find someone who has the potential for Senior Pastor leadership, with the ability to grow with mentoring from Pastor Randy. If the person is a good fit for Gateway, that person will have an opportunity to apply for the Senior Pastor position when Randy decides to begin his new season.
How will Gateway make sure that all candidates are fairly considered?
The Church Council has directed the Search Committee to be open to male and female candidates of all ethnicities. All candidates submitted for consideration will be evaluated through the same process.
How can I help in this process?
PRAY! Join us reading 1 Timothy 3:2-7; Titus 1:5-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-4 and praying that the Lord provides a person with these characteristics and abilities. You are also encouraged to pass along the email below to any candidates that you feel would be a good fit for Gateway.
pastoralsearch@gateway.cc
pastoralsearch@gateway.cc