For the past three years, Rev Dr. Scott K. Cox has blessed Central with his commitment to our Open & Affirming covenant, challenging and comforting sermons, a deep gift for pastoral care, and the bold vision of becoming a Justice & Peace congregation.

This time and process of transition will be conducted in the spirit of Central’s energized outreach – the re-opening of Plymouth Harbor, our embrace of technology, our attention to children, and our intentional welcome and programming for 20s and 30s adults. Embracing our continuing ethos, in short: Open, Progressive, Christian, we look ahead to all that yet may grow, even surprise us.

Exciting Update: 

On April 3, 2024, the Designated-Term Senior Minister Search Committee announced the Rev. Elizabeth Mitchell Clement as its sole candidate to serve as DTSM.

You can read more about this announcement here: DTSM Announcement

This is an aspirational timeline and is subject to change.

• ID and reassign critical Senior Minister roles/responsibilities (Pastoral Relations, Personnel, Moderator, and Staff).
• Plan and host celebrations for Rev. Scott.
• Schedule Appreciative Inquiry Exit Interview for Rev. Scott.
• Prepare church profile for circulation to Designated-Term Senior Minister (DTM) candidates.

• Support Rev. Thomas + ordained members for Advent & Christmas seasons.
• Interview and Contract with a “Supply Minister” to support preaching and pastoral care.
• Meet with all staff to support supervision during the transition.
• Release church profile for circulation to DTM candidates.

• Announce the supply minister who will begin regularly preaching and supplementing pastoral care.
• Solicit and Interview candidates for the DTM position.
• Moderator and Personnel Committee continue supporting staff supervision during the transition.

• DTM is called to serve a two-year term, with the mutually agreeable option to extend for one (1) additional year.
• During this time, the DTM will focus on five (5) specific efforts, which are detailed in the section below.

A) Developing a clearly articulated mission, vision, strategic plan and financial plan for the next five years, including milestones, accountabilities, and action-reflection opportunities;

B) Strengthening and supporting the church’s full-time staff complement and lay leadership pipeline

C) Enlivening worship and facilitating inspiring intergenerational worship, and faith formation experiences, including supporting technology-driven outreach and worship;

D) Supporting the church’s pastoral care function and the implementation of our social justice values;

E) Engendering a strong commitment to financial stewardship and sustainable giving throughout the congregation.