Trinity Episcopal Church in Pine Bluff is excited to be searching for a new rector. We will keep the community updated here as we go through this process. If you are a priest interested in being considered for the position, please take a look at our Office of Transition Ministry profile.
Trinity Episcopal Church of Pine Bluff is seeking our next Rector to join us as we celebrate over 164 years of faith, worship and service in Southeast Arkansas. Organized in 1859, the Trinity congregation has gathered for worship since 1870 in our lovingly maintained church building, featuring Gothic Revival architecture and lancet-arched windows. It is the oldest Episcopal church in continuous use in Arkansas. We have reverent and moving worship services focusing on the liturgy and each individual’s relationship to God. We are blessed with a gifted organist and grand music. While our history and tradition are important to us, our primary goals are to glorify God through worship and service to others.
For generations, the men and women of Trinity have come together to host events that bring people together to build bonds of friendship and continue a legacy of service to the wider community. We share our time and talents, and encourage others to do the same through active involvement in our lay ministries (lectors, chalice bearers, ushers, acolytes, altar guild), organizations such as the Episcopal Church Women, Daughters of the King, and the Men’s Club, and through outreach ministries in the community. On the first and third Wednesdays of each month, we host a mid-week healing service followed by a potluck lunch, enjoyed by both parishioners and visitors from the community. During the summer months, much of the food for this lunch comes from the Trinity Community Garden. The garden is an outreach ministry for our church neighborhood and a place to interact with our neighbors and friends and share God’s bounty.
As a diverse, caring parish family, we see great hope, and great need, all around us. We are deeply committed to reaching out to those beyond our walls in proclaiming the Gospel and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. Our members are open to energetic leadership that will attract new families, engage in pastoral care, connect with our community, and prepare for the Church of the future.
Trinity Episcopal Church of Pine Bluff is seeking our next Rector to join us as we celebrate over 164 years of faith, worship and service in Southeast Arkansas. Organized in 1859, the Trinity congregation has gathered for worship since 1870 in our lovingly maintained church building, featuring Gothic Revival architecture and lancet-arched windows. It is the oldest Episcopal church in continuous use in Arkansas. We have reverent and moving worship services focusing on the liturgy and each individual’s relationship to God. We are blessed with a gifted organist and grand music. While our history and tradition are important to us, our primary goals are to glorify God through worship and service to others.
For generations, the men and women of Trinity have come together to host events that bring people together to build bonds of friendship and continue a legacy of service to the wider community. We share our time and talents, and encourage others to do the same through active involvement in our lay ministries (lectors, chalice bearers, ushers, acolytes, altar guild), organizations such as the Episcopal Church Women, Daughters of the King, and the Men’s Club, and through outreach ministries in the community. On the first and third Wednesdays of each month, we host a mid-week healing service followed by a potluck lunch, enjoyed by both parishioners and visitors from the community. During the summer months, much of the food for this lunch comes from the Trinity Community Garden. The garden is an outreach ministry for our church neighborhood and a place to interact with our neighbors and friends and share God’s bounty.
As a diverse, caring parish family, we see great hope, and great need, all around us. We are deeply committed to reaching out to those beyond our walls in proclaiming the Gospel and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. Our members are open to energetic leadership that will attract new families, engage in pastoral care, connect with our community, and prepare for the Church of the future.
Our Search Committee
Jane Bettison
Julie Bridgforth
Fred Davis III
Merry Tom Dorris
Phil McBee
Sammye Owen
Tommy Palmer, chair
Kathy Tynes
John Wellenberger III
Julie Bridgforth
Fred Davis III
Merry Tom Dorris
Phil McBee
Sammye Owen
Tommy Palmer, chair
Kathy Tynes
John Wellenberger III
The Rector Search Process
1. RECEIVING NAMES
The OTM portfolio and brochure are used to solicit names of potential candidates from the Office of Transitions Ministry database and from other sources. The canon and the chair of the search committee keep all nominations in confidence.
The initial list of candidates is developed from nominees. The bishop and canon review the list for possible additions and eliminations, and then the canon meets with the search committee to narrow the remaining list and to make preparations for the next step in the search process.
A Note on Confidentiality
All members of the search committee must adhere to strict standards of confidentiality. The names of pastors being considered must be kept in confidence. Search committee materials, such as minutes with details about candidates, OTM profiles or resumes, must all be kept confidential.
2. DISCERNMENT
The search committee makes initial contact with each potential candidate, and then reviews application materials, checks references, and conducts phone or “Zoom” interviews. The committee then narrows the list further
3. FIELD VISITS
The search committee is divided into teams and visits candidates in their cures. After all visitations have been made, the teams will report back to the whole committee and the candidate list is narrowed.
4. LOCAL INTERVIEWS AND DECISION MAKING
The remaining candidates from among those interviewed in the field visits are then invited to visit the congregation. During these visits, the candidates will meet will the search committee, vestry, and members of the staff. The purpose of these visits is primarily for the candidates to interview “you.” The search committee will then make its recommendation to the vestry. The vestry elects a rector and notifies the bishop. The bishop then gives the warden permission to issue the call.
5. CLARIFYING TERMS OF THE CALL
The wardens and canon work with the rector-elect to define the terms of the call leading to a letter of agreement (a standard template of a LOA is available from the bishop’s office), which is reviewed and acknowledged by the bishop. Then the public announcement is made, and a celebration of new ministry is planned.
The OTM portfolio and brochure are used to solicit names of potential candidates from the Office of Transitions Ministry database and from other sources. The canon and the chair of the search committee keep all nominations in confidence.
The initial list of candidates is developed from nominees. The bishop and canon review the list for possible additions and eliminations, and then the canon meets with the search committee to narrow the remaining list and to make preparations for the next step in the search process.
A Note on Confidentiality
All members of the search committee must adhere to strict standards of confidentiality. The names of pastors being considered must be kept in confidence. Search committee materials, such as minutes with details about candidates, OTM profiles or resumes, must all be kept confidential.
2. DISCERNMENT
The search committee makes initial contact with each potential candidate, and then reviews application materials, checks references, and conducts phone or “Zoom” interviews. The committee then narrows the list further
3. FIELD VISITS
The search committee is divided into teams and visits candidates in their cures. After all visitations have been made, the teams will report back to the whole committee and the candidate list is narrowed.
4. LOCAL INTERVIEWS AND DECISION MAKING
The remaining candidates from among those interviewed in the field visits are then invited to visit the congregation. During these visits, the candidates will meet will the search committee, vestry, and members of the staff. The purpose of these visits is primarily for the candidates to interview “you.” The search committee will then make its recommendation to the vestry. The vestry elects a rector and notifies the bishop. The bishop then gives the warden permission to issue the call.
5. CLARIFYING TERMS OF THE CALL
The wardens and canon work with the rector-elect to define the terms of the call leading to a letter of agreement (a standard template of a LOA is available from the bishop’s office), which is reviewed and acknowledged by the bishop. Then the public announcement is made, and a celebration of new ministry is planned.
