Candidating for a new ministry as a lead pastor can be exciting and rewarding. But it can also be challenging. If God is leading you to leave your present situation and candidate, you will want to go prepared. One of the ways of doing that is to prepare a list of questions for when you are at the church. They are more for yourself than to be published for the church leadership. Read on for an introduction to some suggested questions. This is Part 2 of a two-part blog.
What are your top expectations for your new pastor?
Expectations for ministry can make or break a pastor. The truth is, many churches have not taken the time to write out their expectations of their lead pastor. Yes, they exist in the minds of many church members. Many of them are based on individual needs, and most pastors will inevitably fall short of matching the expectations of many. If the church to which you are applying does not have any clear expectations for their new lead pastor, ask their leadership team or top board to work through what they expect and come to an agreement. You should know if they are in agreement with your gifts, abilities, boundaries, and limitations. And, I'm sure making a list of what you expect from the church would be a good exercise for you before you candidate. Expectations are a two-way street.
Where is your church on its lifecycle?
As a human organization as well as a living organism created by God, every church is somewhere on a lifecycle between birth and death. The big question that is seldom asked is, "Where is the church on that scale?" Is the church growing in health, maturity, and numbers, on a plateau, or declining in health and numbers? Church consultant George Bullard askes the related question, "Who is in the driver's seat of the church?" Is it vision, relationships, programs, or management? If it's one of the first two, the church is probably on the upside of the lifecycle. If it's on the third or fourth option, the church is probably on the downside. And, where a church is on the lifecycle will determine what kind of pastor is needed. Note: you may need to explain what a lifecycle for a church is and how it affects ministry.
What are the top three changes that need to be made in your church and how will you help your new pastor to be a change agent?
A new pastor is usually expected to be a change agent along with everything else that comes with being the lead pastor of a local church. But, wisdom is needed. A wise leader does not attempt to do everything that is expected or wanted. Therefore, when candidating, attempt to identify what two or three major changes are most needed in the church and how you might be able to be a successful change agent in the church. Be honest with yourself. Maybe the changes needed are beyond your capacity to accomplish or lead others in a change process. Virtually any church going through a period of transition between pastors needs to make some changes. Try to discern of the board or leadership team is united behind the need to change.
What do you love about your church?
This is a crucial question to ask in order to discern the culture of the church. When people answer that question, do they talk more about what is happening inside the walls, or do they share some things about lives being changed by church members who are going to where the lost and unchurched are? Is tradition overly valued as shown by the frequent mention of "the good old days"? People who do not love their church will not likely invite new people to their family gatherings, or to meet their Savior and Lord. However, if a reoccurring theme occurs in the answers of a number of people, this may indicate a strength to be pursued with a new vision.
What do you want your church to look like five years from now?
This specific vision question is similar to the earlier similar question, but this one seeks more specific and personal answers. When you candidate, you want to explore the hopes and dreams of the people. in the church and community The answers may also help you discern what programs or ministries can be dropped, actions that will need some of your time, energy, and loving pastoral care. Also, look for what about the church's future excites you as well as others in the church. You will need to help individual hopes and dreams become part of the corporate hopes and dreams of the church. This question may also help you assemble a vision team for the church. Who can become possible visionary leaders for the church and the different generations and groups in the church?
What additional questions come to your mind?
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