FAQ

On Sunday, February 12, our Senior Pastor Call Team announced their discernment of Pastor Tara Beth Leach as Senior Minister for Good Shepherd. On this webpage, you will find frequently asked questions received from the Senior Pastor Call Team.

Last Updated on March 1, 2023

Why didn’t we call an ELCA rostered pastor?

The Senior Pastor Call team interviewed a number of ELCA rostered candidates throughout this process, and the Holy Spirit led us to discern Pastor Tara Beth.

Will Pastor Tara Beth become an ELCA rostered pastor? If so, when?

Pastor Tara Beth has agreed to become an ELCA rostered pastor. She is already in contact with the Metropolitan Chicago Synod’s office, and she is eager to begin the process.

How many candidates did you interview?

Several.

What’s the status of Vanderbloemen contract?

The Senior Pastor Call Team did not utilize them for the hiring of Pastor Tara Beth and she did not engage with them throughout the process. Good Shepherd continues to work with Vanderbloemen on next steps with the contract, which is currently on hold. The Associate Pastor Call Team and Council will determine how to proceed.

When is her first Sunday preaching?

March 19th is the first Sunday that PTB will preach.

Why didn’t you call PTB months ago?!

She was not available early on in the process. The Holy Spirit aligned PTB and Good Shepherd at the appropriate time.

Will the Associate Pastor Call Team start in earnest now?

Please refer to the Associate Pastor Call Team communications via the website and Prayer and Action guide.

Will there be a vote on March 5?

Yes, there will be a vote to hire Tara Beth as our Senior Minister and affirm her in this role. When she completes the ELCA rostering process we will have another congregational meeting to officially call her as our Senior Pastor.