PC(USA) Call Process: PIFs, Blogs, and Cautious Questions
Because I’m strange, I spent the last lull before classes and my last chances to really relax for a while working on my PIF. For all you out there blessed enough NOT to know what a PIF is, in Presbyterian Church (USA) lingo, PIF is short for your “Personal Information Form.” Or in the shorthand of the business world: no PIF = no job; with PIF job possibilities.
Think of a PIF as a precursor to online dating. It’s a seven page document saying who you are, who you’ve been with, and with whom you might like to end up. In our best times as the church, the PIF is a valuable tool that helps churches and candidates discern Christ’s call in their lives. It certainly can be that, and has been so for many friends. On the other hand, I have some friends who have found it very difficult to find calls and I wonder how the document might be improved.
The PIF has 4 1500-character essays:
- Church Characteristics Desired
- Accomplishments in present call
- Leadership Style
- Key Theological Issues Facing the Church
Here’s the basic tension I experienced while writing. Since these documents, by their nature, come with no real background info (e.g. no cover letter) and intentionally don’t show the candidate’s personality, the candidate is likely to write very cautiously. Like ordination exams, PIFs stifle creativity and, basically lead to blandness. For example, I consider climate change as probably the largest issue facing the church and the world this century, but because the climate change discussion carries with it so much baggage and is best done in person, I chose another key issue to discuss for that question.
Candidates–especially those facing looming seminary graduation and loss of housing–are likely to answer questions in ways neither offensive nor provocative, just safe. If in just a few months you need a pay check to make the car payments and buy groceries, and this form is your primary introduction to churches who might pay you, then your incentive is not to be open and honest, but just pleasing. It’s a question of ethics within a closed system; even though the system is flawed, you must work within it, play the game.
That said, I’m staying very open to the process. If God can work through a flawed person like me, God can certainly work through a PIF and CIF (that’s the Church Information Form). I’m envisioning the PIF as just the very first part of a much larger conversation, the opening of a door so I and a Pastor Nominating Committees can get to know each other more fully and without the encumbrance of internet forms and checkboxes.
Speaking of which, I’m wondering what other bloggers have done with their blogs during a public job search process. Should I make a link here to my PIF, anticipating churches may find their way here? Or just carry on and let the PIF/CIF process happen outside the bounds of A Wee Blether? Thoughts?
image by Renaude Hatsedakis
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Super interesting Adam. I’m intrigued by this PIF thing. I wish it had more personal dimensions so you could write about climate change!
Adam,
Having been the COM observer on several PNC’s I can assure you that the PIF is a valuable resource. However, as you point out it can have serious limitations. While it is pretty inflexible, since it goes into the computer matching system, the CIF is equally inflexible and frustrating for the churches to fill out.
To you, and all other readers who may be looking for a call, in my experience the single greatest thing you can do is network. Virtually every PNC I have sat with has gotten their final candidate on recommendation from someone, not from CLC (presbyspeak for the job matching center) or from direct application. In one case we went back to a PIF that was given a moderate rating and re-evaluated the candidate based on a strong personal recommendation from a trusted individual. That pastor has been a great match for the church.
Hope this helps
Thanks, Steve. That is really helpful. I suppose the internet–facebook friends, etc–might begin to bring new forms of PNC networking in the coming years as well.
Thanks for the word about the CIF and it’s inflexibility as well–definitely something to keep in mind.
Networking is always very good. The other thing you can do is self refer. Find the CIFs you like and send them a cover letter (by email) with your PIF attached. Many of the churches never look at their “matches”. What is your seminary doing to help you find a call? What about your presbytery?
Welcome to the real world Adam! You’ll be a great pastor anywhere, but especially where God calls you.
Adam, I second the self-referal too. Sometimes you won’t get matched with ones that look interesting to you.
Thanks Stushie.
Joan, though I am a big fan of Columbia Seminary, no we don’t have much good training for actually finding a call. I know Columbia does do a good job of networking, when it comes to that, but they’re somewhat limited outside the southeast.
I’m planning another post eventually with links to good resources and FAQs about the process. If anyone knows of Presbyteries doing a good job of training, I’d really love to know.
The PIF and CIF are fine, but they’re just starting points.
My approach was entirely based on self-referral…I never bothered with the Call Referral System. I was very intentional about seeking churches that met a series of criteria that would insure that I was well placed….and then I ended up serving my current congregation. It met pretty much none of my criteria, and has been unbelievably difficult at times, but the pesky thing is that of all the places I imagined myself serving, this was the only one that God directed me towards. I’d affirm what some of the other commenters have said: those connections occur organically, through networks of relationship and trust. They’re a work of the Body, not a process that can be effectively automated.
As for using your wee corner of the blogosphere as an augment: Do It. Direct them to your blog. It’s going to be part of whatever ministry you undertake, and it allows for more richness of personal detail than a PIF. It’s part of helping frame that conversation, and developing that relationship.
Great, David. Thanks for that–especially the blog take at the end.
I like how you put this, “those connections occur organically, through networks of relationship and trust. They’re a work of the Body, not a process that can be effectively automated.” I hear you, and definitely want that to happen. I’m also aware, however, that such relationships can be really biased and dangerous–the “old boys network.” I’m a young southern white male, a third generation Presby pastor, am married to a smart and beautiful caucasian woman, and extremely well-connected for my age. I can play the connection game, but that just doesn’t seem equitable, just, or fair to my colleagues who happen to be single, or less connected, or at gay, etc.
It’s a tension I’ll continue to consider, and with which I’ll continue to struggle.
Adam, all the suggestions are great – esp. the self-referral, where you personality can come out in online or hard copy cover letters, and follow up conversations if whatever form (electronic, phone, video). Networks and connections are invaluable and while I appreciate you caution to leverage them unfairly, much of that is your approach – talking to people who talk to other people about what’s open and what’s needed and skill sets and interests is, to me, as aspect of communal discernment. Not the pull strings to get favors, but honest and forthright conversations of “I’m looking for/do you know of/might you have suggestions…” And it won’t be the only way you look if you use the Call Referral system. And when you are in conversations with congregations you don’t know, won’t you network – call those who you know who may know that presbytery/congregation/leadership? I have always found that one of the most helpful aspect of ANY job search (nonprofits for 20 years prior to seminary). It’s somethng I learned when doing, some, ahem, community organizing type work working with volunteers to get things done for Red Cross.
I really regret that CTS no longer does much coaching in this regard. Before I graduated, we had a series of sessions scheduled – from filling out a PIF to intervieiwing tips to aspects of different calls to negotiating salary/benefits. Serving on CPM and as a liaison for a couple of foks, I’ve walked this journey on both sides of the track in the past 5 years – looking myself and encouraging others thru the process. You’re already electronically networking , you ask good questions, and you’ll be more than OK as you navigate your way.
This is great stuff. You are asking all the right PIF, call search related questions. I will third (fourth?) the self-referral comments. Don’t wait for the CLC. I have found both of my calls through self-referral, which allows for a cover letter introductions.
As for the PIF itself, you are right. Don’t be wishy-washy. As a former CPM moderator, I can tell you this is one of the biggest mistakes most seminary grads make the first time around. Make it clear who you are. It will weed out the conversations you don’t need to have and help you get to the ones you want to have with PNCs. Some of us who are anxiety prone, may need to be reminded that the only thing worse than not having a job/call to pay the bills is having the wrong job/call.
In terms of the blog link question, it is an interesting one. I don’t think there is any clear cut right or wrong. I would certainly not get too far into a conversation with a search committee without mentioning it. Some of the more savy committees will do web searches on you. So the question may be when do you want it to enter the process: right of the bat or once they have become interested and had the chance to chat with you first. That is a question you might need to answer for yourself. What does your gut tell you?
God speed!
Adam,
Don’t be too boring and neutral on your PIF. You don’t want a church who called you because they thought you were someone else. That goes for interviews too.
And while I wouldn’t rule out the CLC finding a referral for you (we trust in the Spirit, right?) I used it to seek out my call with good success. The more CIF’s you read, the more easily you can “hear” the language that you’ll be looking for.
Miss you!
I’ve got a bit of a wrinkle in regard to self-referral…
I’m three years into my first call, and it is a very good fit. I contacted the E.P. of a presbytery (800 miles from seminary) and met with him. He said there were two congregations he thought might be a good fit. He actually sent my PIF to them. Can you believe it – I interviewed with the first to respond, and it was clear right away that both sides were excited about the fit.
It’s my experience that the E.P. and COM Moderator have a good handle on where the various congregations are in the process, and which congregations might be good for a first call pastor to avoid.
On the other hand, I wouldn’t recommend that you dismiss your wide connections just because others don’t have them. Consider this as a gift – a gift to be used.
Hey old neighbor!
I am working on my PIF at the moment, and in the usual attempt to procrastinate, stumbled across the musings of the 2 blog-loving Adams I know from seminary! And I obviously do not blog or read others’ blogs, given the date on this comment.
Anyways, the EP of the Presbytery of South Alabama has given me the same advice twice when I have talked to him about my PIF (not so helpful the second time, since I remembered it). He said to be yourself on the narrative parts. Any church that will decide they didn’t want to talk to you due to what you wrote in that section probably isn’t a place you wanted to work. That can often be frustrating to think about when you’ve realized they don’t want to go any further in conversation, but it will probably feel better later.
Anyways, just thought I’d pass those bits of wisdom on to you. I’m stumped on my leadership style. I’m also not bringing up my active sleep life. That might work out better as a sermon illustration than an introduction.
Hope all is well!
I too am working on this very interesting document. First of all, its hilarious that there is a character–not word–limit…so binary! If all goes well, I should be able to circulate this thing in November. I agree with what some have said…networking seems to be the key to this good, though less than perfect, system.