How does a church hire an STM?
Thrive assists churches in the hiring process by informing them of the STMs that are available at the time, and providing contact information. The leadership of the church is then free to make contact with the named STMs in order to arrange interviews for the open position. Here are the steps for the hiring process:
1. Determine which STM(s) you would like to interview, based on the names provided to you by Thrive, and make contact with them to ask for conversations with each of them.
2. Schedule and conduct interviews.
3. Determine which STM you feel would be best suited to your congregation and its needs. Inform the STM that you have selected. Note: A congregational vote to hire the STM is not required, since this is not a call process. However, it would be wise to keep the congregation informed at every major step of this process, and invite questions/input from congregation members.
4. Create a contract, using Thrive's contract template (see below for a full time STM template and a part time STM template). Offer the contract to the STM for conversation and negotiation. Resolve any issues of disagreement.
5. Before signing the contract, arrange a meeting with the Thrive staff person overseeing the STM program, for the Thrive staff person to highlight key elements of the transitional season to come and to resolve any unresolved questions.
6. Have the council chair, the council clerk, and the STM sign the contract, keep the original copy for the church and make a copy for the STM. Also forward a copy to Thrive.
7. Set a date for the STM to begin work, and then, with the STM, plan a commissioning service.
Additional resources:
Sample Interview Questions for STM
Full Time STM Contract Template (including a list of potential goals/priorities and an implementation guide)
Part Time STM Contract Template (including a list of potential goals/priorities and an implementation guide)