Candidating

In my experience, the Pulpit Committee, or Board, is a perfect example of the old adage, "A committee is the only animal in creation with 10 stomaches and no brain!"

When I was examined by the Pulpit Committee for my present pastorate 16 years ago, they asked me some of the most stupid questions I have ever heard, but failed to ask me the most important question, whether or not I was saved. They wanted to know about my education, my experience, my doctrine, my hobbies, my family, my preaching style, etc., etc., etc., ad infinitum, ad nauseum, but never thought to ask if I was saved!

Every church, prior to calling a pastor, should write out a Philosophy of Ministry and use it as a guide in questioning a prospective pastor. Finding out prior to issuing a call whether or not he has the same Philosophy of Ministry the church has will save a lot of heart ache a year or two down the road.

Good luck, and God bless!

[ May 14, 2001: Message edited by: Thomas Cassidy ]

 

First of all, when considering a candidate, I hope that you folk have done your homework. I am amazed at churches that ask a man to canidate without checking their references. You need to look at the man's track record and if possible speak to former deacons about this man's ministry.

During your questioning, you need to know certain things. Is the man orthedox in doctrine? Is the candidate's philosophy of ministry the same as that of the church? Are there any hobby horses that will limit this man's ministry in your community? And since you are in Wisconsin, can he hunt and fish? Don't just consider the 2 or 3 sermons that will be preached but look at the person as a whole (I even have 5 or 6 good sermons)

Ask a few questions that will put him on the spot a bit to determine his temprament and how he reacts under pressure.

Above all, determine to set aside a season of prayer. Both corporate and private prayer should be offered to determine as to whether this is God's man or not. You are not looking for a nice guy, a popular person, not even a good looking person (although that all would be nice) You are looking for God's man to lead your church. You will not find it unless you spend some time before the throne. Be assured that we will be praying in this direction as well.

 

To see a copy of my Philosophy of Ministry click on http://members.tripod.com/~ThomasCassidy/pom.html .

Remember, this is my Philosophy of Ministry. There is no "right" or "wrong" regarding this issue. This is simply how I think on the subject. Others may think differently. That is why a written Philosophy of Ministry is so important. The pulpit committee can compare the church's Philosophy of Ministry with the candidate's Philosophy of Ministry and determine if the two are compatable.

[ May 15, 2001: Message edited by: Thomas Cassidy ]

 

Actually, Joy, that was a good question. The answer given by the individual tells a lot about him. (see the thread titled "nobody wants a free pastor!")

You see, if the individual is focused on money, instead of the ministry, what seems like stupid questions can actually bear a lot of fruit.

For instance, a church I attended had a pastor who held a second job. The church wanted him to become a full time pastor. In retrospect, I now realize that it wasn't the church that wanted him to go full time, it was he himself who wanted to go full time (a worthy goal), but was influencing certain members of the church to influence everyone else in the church to ask him to go full time. Anyway, his #1 condition for going full time was that the church had to pay him a salary of at least $20,000. This church had a main core membership of about 10-15 families, with maybe two families grossing over $25,000 a year. The church agreed, and he went full time. Just the other day, I found out he's taken a second job again, because the church has actually lost membership and can't fully support him any more.

See, his initial demand showed that money was more important than actually being a full time paster. So I don't see that person's question as being silly at all, and having a LOT to do with eggs in China.

 

Joy,

If a pastor is fulfilling his duties as a biblical elder of his church there is no question that he will definitely by far work harder than anyone else. Unfortunaltey alot of people do not realize this.

 

I agree, Joy, and in your case, it definitely was a different situation. Please remember: In the case I cited, it was the pastor asking for a certain amount before he would go full-time, instead of the situation you have in your church.

And actually, it was good that this individual asked your candidate that question. Because now he knows a little bit more about the people he's candidating for, as well as them knowing something more about him....

 

Hello,

i guess my biggest concern about this topic is the question of what type of education do you have.......is that an important question?

after Saul became Paul what college did he go to? the most powerful preacher, next to Christ, that has ever lived. did not go to college.

i believe if God wants an educated man He will call one. some of the most powerful preachers of this day have been back woods unable to read farmers and lumber jacks which God has called to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ.

now, i'm not saying that a man should not be studied...yes, a man, the husband of one wife, should study God's word and pray for understanding! a degree in theology does not qualify a person to the ministry. God does the calling and He does not make mistakes.

does scripture say anything about schooling...no.....but it does say in 1 Timothy 3 beginning is verse......
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

i'm not trying to be rude or thoughtless, but these verses say nothing about schooling!! furthermore, in 2 Timothy 2 and verse.....

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

God's word say study to shew thyself approved unto God......if we as ministers of the gospel do as scripture tells us....God will use His ministers to boldly and with power proclaim the gospel of Christ.


next........

so what happens if you have 30 students being instructed by person who has an error in their doctrine? would it not be better to have a single "student" with 30 teachers?
that way if there arose a problem with doctrineit would be caught and corrected before it spred like wild fire.

all i'm saying is......God calls His ministers and He never makes a mistake!!!

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by changed_like_saul:
after Saul became Paul what college did he go to? the most powerful preacher, next to Christ, that has ever lived. did not go to college.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>On the contrary, Paul was one of the best educated of the New Testament preachers. He had the equivilent of a Doctorate in the "the law of the fathers" having studied under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).

After his salvation he spent three years in the best Seminary on earth, in the wilderness alone with the Lord (Gal 1:17-18).

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Thomas Cassidy:
On the contrary, Paul was one of the best educated of the New Testament preachers. He had the equivilent of a Doctorate in the "the law of the fathers" having studied under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).

After his salvation he spent three years in the best Seminary on earth, in the wilderness alone with the Lord (Gal 1:17-18). <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Excellent points. It's not about education, but preparation. You can be fitly prepared for ministry through education but some are prepared and continue to prepare even though they have no formal education. I've always thought it odd that most people would not settle for a doctor or mechanic who had no training, but when it comes to the one who shepherd's the flock of God, any old thing will do

 

On the contrary, Paul was one of the best educated of the New Testament preachers. He had the equivilent of a Doctorate in the "the law of the fathers" having studied under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).

Dear Brother Cassidy,

i beg to differ with you on the statement that Paul was the best educated of the New Testament preachers......Paul was educated in the "LAW" of the Old Testament. yes, Paul was highly educated in the was of the Jewish Laws and Traditions.

Paul education in the Good News Of Jesus Christ came by direct revelation from Jesus Christ Himself. not a college or seminary. i believe God still calls His ministers and Christ reveals to them what he would have them to know.......please understand, i'm not saying that Christ opens our skull and pours in information. we have a responsiblility to pray, read and study God's word. remember, scriptures says "study to shew thyself approved unto God..."

may the Lord bless

Chris

 

TomVols, just to throw this out--how does homeschooling fit into your "preparation to be a mechanic or a doctor" supposition?

Changed, you didn't contradict anything Dr. Cassidy presented. Instead, you supported it. At the same time, I don't believe Dr. Cassidy said that your premise--that we don't need seminary--was entirely wrong.

I think the thing that everyone's agreed on is study and preparation.

 

Hey, i'm not trying to start an argument. but i do have a question.

if you were on the "pupit committee" of your church, would you consider a candadate who has not been to the siminary?

if you would consider a candadate who has not been to the siminary, would your church/congregation select such a candadate?

 

I would not reject a candidate who had not been to seminary out of hand, but I would reject a candidate who could not spell "seminary!"