Question for Pastors

That is a good question.

As I have dealt with this issue in the past (though not currently dealing with it) I have had two different experiences than have some commonalities.

One of the first things is that I've never spread out resumes looking for new church positions while in a position. I don't really like that kind of thing, but understand people who do.

In both situations I felt that after a time doing ministry in these churches, ministries which were growing and seeing lives changed by Christ, that it might be time to move on. To put it more succinctly, I felt freed from my position and believe God had allowed me to begin considering new avenues of ministry. Now only in one situation did an opportunity immediately present itself, the other took some time. But that sense of knowing you've completed your task and are ready to move on is important.

Now, when I have been approached by churches (in both situations I was approached by multiple churches for mostly different positions) I begin walking down the path and have time to interview them as they interview me. I've prayerfully considered where they are and what they are willing to do. Asking probing questions about vision, past leadership, openness for change, desire to grow and flourish, and also to get handle on the situation within the church are all important factors.

By being intentional I have been able to move on from most churches and have, in one case, dismissed all of them and considered what might be next. Ultimately the process gets down to where I get serious in talking with a church and that is where we both get more specific in our questions and the process.

When I've felt called to a church I believe is it first a Holy Spirit led calling. If I don't sense the Spirit's commission I draw back and let the church go. If the Spirit is leading, we move forward. I get specific information about past attendance and programming patterns. An accurate (and honest) financial picture (one church tried to mislead me on that one...it quickly was done with me.) I also try to hear where the lay leaders are coming from and how they respond to a leader who pushed them to think more broadly.

My wife's council is also highly sought out by me. She is able to pick up things that I might miss. If there is a site visit that is almost a guarantee that I'll be at that church. So we try to discern what else might be going on before that visit.

My leadership style is certainly my own. A church needs to know that and I encourage them to call some of my references and learn about me. Of course, I interview them just as much as they interview me. By asking probing questions I can feel the hand of God and whether these folks know its presence as well.

The big things that go into my accepting a call thus end up being:
* My own freedom to consider a new position
* Does the new church desire a strong leader
* Is the new church ready to be led
* Is the Holy Spirit in midst of this process
* Is God leading me to join that church
* Is this a Jesus loving people
* What does my wife think about this

Hope that helps.

 

I'm hearing the term leadership as an important factor to your ministry (and I'm not critiqueing you...sounds as if that's a strong point for you)..however I see a potential consternation with a church that brings in a pastor to lead without much impute or bother from the congregation. A strong leader can become a tyrant & ive seen that happen a few times...so how do you balance that to make the people do most of the things necessary to have the church grow and prosper?

 

Dr. Bob and Preaching Jesus have given great answers. I have used Elijah's time at the the brook Cherith. God sent him there to get him away from Ahab. But then the brook dried up because God had another place for him to go. (1 Kings 17) But it's not about results being seen or prophest like Jeremiah and Ezekiel would have moved on. It is about God's specific direction to leave one place and go to another place.

 

OK, does God directly tell you to leave or is it that he puts obstacles in your path till your forced to leave.....people can & do become very complacent in their lives so I was just wondering.

 

Are you suggesting that your interested in a ministry?