The congregation has the right to know…

Thank you, congregation, for your continued prayers.  We appreciate the conversations you have had with the PNC members.  Many have asked us specifically why these pastors have not come to our church.  

We have worked with three specific candidates at this point in our search for a senior pastor.

The first candidate declined as he did not feel a call to Rochelle, even after he and his wife spent time with the PNC and also traveled on their own to Rochelle to tour the city and pray.

The second candidate declined as he did not feel the call to Rochelle. The PNC felt that it was a hard decision for him to move his young family at this time.  He was also in discussions with another church.

Our third candidate was very specific.  It was not timely for him to move his family, although initially he felt Rochelle would be a good fit.  He later decided that he was not comfortable coming to a church until First Presbyterian’s future relationship with the PC(USA) has been determined.  

Throughout the processes, all of the candidates were sincere in their desire to come to Rochelle until their final decision.  Please know, in our initial conversation with these candidates, we do discuss their families and moving to Rochelle.  All three candidates have expressed to us personally what a wonderful church First Presbyterian- Rochelle is.