Our Path to a Called Pastor

Fanwood Presbyterian Church is currently walking through a pastoral transition, or a season of discernment between one called pastor and the next. In the Presbyterian Church (USA), a called, or installed, pastor is elected by the congregation for a continuing pastoral relationship, whereas a interim pastor is hired by the church session via a short-term contract. Pastor Stacy currently serves as our interim pastor and supports our church Session in the process of calling a new pastor.

Since February 2025, we've moved through an initial interim transition and a year of healing and discernment, and we're now beginning the most substantial stage: a Mission Study, the Presbytery-required season of congregational self-examination in which we look closely at our finances, our history, our community, and our shared life together to understand who we are and where God is calling us next.

Once that study is complete and accepted by the Presbytery of Northeast New Jersey Committee on Ministry, the congregation will elect a Pastor Nominating Committee to search for, interview, and ultimately nominate our next pastor. Our current process includes: