Welcome to FPC’s Pastoral Transition page.

We Are Seeking a Lead Pastor/Head of Staff

First Presbyterian Church of Portland is actively seeking a Lead Pastor/Head of Staff to guide our congregation in this next season of ministry. We invite interested candidates to begin by reviewing our Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP). Informed by the findings of our Mission Study Report (see below), the MDP offers a clear picture of who we are as a congregation and the gifts, experience, and leadership we seek in our next pastor. We encourage you to read it thoughtfully and prayerfully discern your call.

View the Ministry Discernment Profile

Help Us Share the Call

As we seek our next Lead Pastor/Head of Staff, we invite our congregation and wider community to take part in this important process by helping us share this opportunity. If you know pastors, colleagues, or leaders who may feel called to this role, we encourage you to pass along our Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) and invite them to learn more. To make this easy, we’ve provided a simple email template you can use or adapt at the link below. Your connections, prayers, and outreach are an important part of this discernment process. Thank you for helping us extend this call.

Download Email Template

Mission Study Report

The Mission Study Report represents an important step in our pastoral transition, capturing the collective voice of our congregation. Shaped by survey responses and in-depth conversations throughout May–August 2025, it reflects the insights, hopes, and priorities that now guide our search. Approved by Session, this report provides helpful context alongside the MDP for those discerning a call to serve with us.

View the Mission Study Report

A Message from the FPC Pastoral Nominating Committee

The FPC Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC) is meeting regularly and prayerfully as we seek God’s guidance for our congregation’s future. We have posted the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP), which reflects who we are and the pastoral leadership we seek at FPC, and we are now receiving and reviewing applications from potential candidates. Each meeting is grounded in prayer and Scripture, including Matthew 21:22. Please hold the committee, our church, and our future pastor in your prayers. Thank you!

PNC Members

FPC’s Pastoral Nominating Committee is composed of eight members, seven voting members and 1 alternate member.

• Dustin Coles
• Joyce Evans
• Amy Hall
• Erich Merrill
• George Webb
• Patrick Castles, Alternate Member
• Kristine Olson, PNC Co-Chair
• Lisa Snodderly, PNC Co-Chair