Consultant Letter of Agreement

The Search Committee of ________________ Church, and ________________ agree that as Consultant he/she will assist ________________ Church in the process through which ________________ Church seeks to find and call a new Rector. The process will include primarily (but not exclusively):

1. Identifying ________________ Church’s future ministry, acknowledging its history and recognizing the present opportunities for spiritual growth;
2. Developing a parish profile through congregational self-study and questionnaire;
3. Choosing of qualifications, skills, style desired in the next Rector (Rector profile);
4. Gathering of clergy candidates, analysis of date, training search committee for interviewing and assessment;
5. Decision making and recommendation of candidate of Vestry;
6. Celebration and closure, evaluation; follow-up if necessary.

The consultant will give guidance in:

• Outlining and following the process endorsed by the
  Diocese of Virginia;
• Developing a realistic time schedule;
• Developing the parish and the rector’s profile (format,
  questions, data);
• Solicitation of names of candidates; analysis, review, and
  evaluation of information; interviewing techniques;
• Reminding Search Committee of necessity for frequent
  communication with ________________ Vestry and
  congregation during the process;
• Keeping in touch with the diocese.

The Consultant will attend meetings as appropriate, at least once a month, and keep in close touch with the Committee’s progress. Special meetings should include:

• An initial work session with full Committee to establish relationships and outline the process;
• Profile editing and critique session(s);
• Developing the Position Search Request form for CDO;
• Helping with interpretation of CDO forms on clergy;
• Planning interviewing techniques and schedule;
• Meetings as needed or requested;
• Availability to Vestry to assist with contract/agreement with new Rector.

________________ Church agrees to compensate the Consultant in the amount of twelve hundred dollars ($1,200) plus any out of pocket expenses for incidentals and mileage to be paid in accordance with the following schedule:

Note: Work sessions required for special circumstances beyond the usual expectations outlined above will be additional and would be negotiable at the time of decision.

________________________________________
Consultant

________________________________________
Senior Warden

________________________________________
Chair, Search Committee for

________________________ Church _______________________, Virginia