PULPIT COMMITTEE RESOURCES

Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

It has been a burden of mine to see pulpit committees and congregations be effective in selecting a new pastor for the Lord's church. I have seen horror stories played out in churches, which could have been avoided, if the right questions were asked.  Below you will find a list of resources to help you accurately describe the church to a potential pastor; likewise, questions to ask the candidate that are critical for a possible future leader of the Lord's great ministry.  Communication with the potential candidate is vital. It is the Lord's will that needs to be preeminent, and just like all of God's work, choosing a pastor needs to be done decently and in order. 

Pastor Jerry Beaver

General tips:

• Ask the potential candidate for written permission to run a credit report on him.

• Ask the prospective pastor if it would be okay for the pulpit committee to talk to the deacons or leadership in their present position if they accept the position as senior pastor. (Of course after the pastor has told his current congregation or ministry) This will enable the pulpit committee to be assured that the prospective pastor has been upfront with his leadership style and as well as the reason they are leaving their current position and other information that has been given.                                                                                     

• Don't feel bad about asking the hard questions of the potential candidate. Your questions will tell the prospective pastor a lot about you and the church.

• Keep the potential candidates and church informed. Many times the church will have a lot of division when it comes to selecting a pastor when the pulpit committee is not openly communicating. I suggest to do a blog. These are free from Blogspot, and weekly, post a brief summary from the meetings. Here is a link to use as an example

http://www.pastor-for-northside.blogspot.com/

• Once a candidate is not going to be considered, make sure that you let them know.

• Resumes are just words on paper, take them at face value. Credentials are not indicative of character or godliness.

AUDIO

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR NEXT PASTOR

How to Describe Your Church to a Potential Candidate Effectively

Template Letters

Follow- up Letter After You Receive a Resume

Letter to a Preacher Who Will Not Be Considered For the Pastorate

Pastoral Application

Application

 Guideline for Pastor's Compensation

Another Article by Dr. Bob Vallier

The Pastor and His Compensation Package