from the Search COmmittee

The Search Committee and Vestry gathered for a retreat recently to review the input
from the Parish Survey and Listening Sessions and to frame the next step in the search
process, crafting a parish profile to attract potential dean candidates.

The Search Committee and Vestry spent significant time reviewing the results and
information gathered from the parish survey and listening sessions. Over 70
parishioners submitted responses to the parish survey and a dozen listening sessions
were conducted with various groups and ministries within and related to the Cathedral.
The most important characteristics or personal gifts parishioners are looking for in our
next dean are someone with strong pastoral skills, a strong preacher, and someone who
is inclusive and respectful of diversity. Those characteristics and gifts were followed
closely by someone who is also a good administrator, someone who is welcoming and
approachable and someone who has the ability to help St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
achieve its mission.

The survey and sessions indicated the Cathedral is looking for a dean with the following
desired knowledge, skills and abilities to:
 help the Cathedral continue being a welcoming and loving community through its
hospitality and inclusive nature and programs
 lead and support the spiritual growth and Christian formation of parishioners
through our worship and current programs like youth and adult Christian
formation, Bible and book studies, as well as expanding those efforts
 strengthen our social justice and community connections through greater
interfaith and community efforts as well as service to the greater community.

The next step in the search process is to complete the Parish Profile, a document which
describes St, Stephens Episcopal Cathedral, our history, where we are today and where
we hope our next dean can help take us. This document will be forwarded to the
Diocese to be included in a packet which is sent out seeking candidates for whom St.
Stephens is a good match.

Thank you to all who participated in the Parish Survey and the Listening Sessions. This
input was critical to identifying our priorities moving forward in search for our next dean.