A church is not the walls and windows; it is the people and the leadership that has built a culture and family of believers. It can be a daunting task to find a new pastor who will seamlessly fit into the existing landscape of values and personality that make your church what it is. As you begin your search, you will find that many pastors have the experience and education, and have worked in churches with similar backgrounds to yours but that doesn’t necessarily make them right for your congregation.
One of the best ways to hire a new pastor with confidence is to conduct a thorough interview. While the fundamental questions about experience and their ability to accomplish the required functions of the position are a great start, getting more in-depth with their leadership abilities, relationship with God, and approach when counseling others is what you are looking for.
12 Interview Questions to Find the Right Pastor
Here is a list of questions to get you started on the path to finding the right pastor to meet your church’s needs and values. This list is not the be-all-end-all list of interview questions, but it is an excellent start to the types of questions you should be asking.
- How did you come to the Lord?
- At what moment did you realize you were called to ministry, and why as a pastor or leader?
- How would you define ministry? Leadership?
- What Christian leaders/pastors do you read, listen to, or follow?
- Who is your favorite theologian and why?
- Can you share an example of how you have handled a tragic situation that has directly or indirectly affected members of your congregation?
- Explain a time when you have felt pushed beyond your capabilities as a leader, and how you overcame this difficulty.
- What is a God story that you tell to encourage others?
- Share an example of how you have handled someone on your team, or in the congregation, not living according to biblical principles. (Listen for grace and love in their response, while looking to the Bible for truth.)
- How do you describe your approach to reflecting the love of Christ to people who are not accustomed to coming to church services, and have not decided to do so?
- Can you tell me a little bit about your relationship with the Lord and your devotional time?
- How do you balance the needs of your family and self with those of a congregation?
Next Steps
This is certainly not an extensive list, but hopefully, these questions will help you identify a possible good fit for the right pastor for your church. Ask your search committee and leadership team what is important to them as well! Whether seeking to fill the role of a lead pastor or other supporting pastoral roles, the choice that you make will influence and define the culture of your church. Take the time to be sure that the choice you make is in alignment with your church culture, values, and above all, the person whom God has called to lead!
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