Can Anybody Answer a Church Question for me?

My boss is Lutheran, and her church just spent a year interviewing candidates to replace their retired pastor. There's a database of ministers looking to move (apparently) and her committee would read about these folks and then decide who to invite for a weekend. The weekend included a couple interviews and the prospective pastor preaching 2 sermons.

I think they brought 3 different people in before finally choosing one.

Good luck!

Hi Brookie,

I've been parts of those committees before. It really works the same as any other job. The committee posts the job, gathers resumes, reviews the candidates and then interviews the ones they feel are qualified, first by phone then in person. I can't imagine they would be offended if you asked them how many other people they're considering for the position, especially if you're considering moving. Keep us posted. It sounds like an exciting opportunity.

BrookieCookie777 said:

If you guys have a free moment say a little prayer for me and my family.

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Consider it done.

That's awesome, Brookie. Sounds similar to when we were considering moving about 3 years ago and it was like an oceanic undertow pulling us to San Antonio. It turned out to be a HUGE blessing for all of us in ways we'd never even imagined. I'll be praying for you in this process. Hope there are some great experiences coming your way!

BrookieCookie777 said:

Thanks III. That info is very helpful indeed. You know the really strange thing? You know, God is a persistantly awe inspiring kinda dude. =) Everywhere I turn, LITERALLY, I have heard, seen etc. things about the city and state that the church is in. So, I'm all "God, this a big thing to just up and move like that so far away with my hubby and little ones. Are you sure?" The next day, I saw the states vistor commericials over and over and over. Then I get a letter from a charity in the same city and state . . . and THEN, (a tv network that I write for) the producer told me that she was moving from California to go to the same state. This kind of stuff has been happening every single day. That was enough proof for me. It's been cool waiting to see what God's going to do next.

I don't know if anyone has ever seen Bruce Almighty but he watches this info-mercial and it repeats all these questions he's been asking God like "Do you think God has run away from you? Does everyone keep getting your breaks? Is your name Bruce?" It's just been . . . wow. A real life adventure. Now I am just praying that God will work out all of the details if I end up moving there for the job. I will have to sell my house, move all my stuff, my husband will have to take a new job. But then again I know if I am willing - God is able!

I will keep you guys updated. If you guys have a free moment say a little prayer for me and my family. Thanks III and Lily. God bless! I am so thankful for friends like you guys.

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In the words of Monty Python "It's a sign It's a sign!!" Really cool stuff. It does sound that God is leading you there.

III said it is the same as a job interview. I too am wanting to go back to the UK. I have applied for a number of Kid's pastor jobs my self. I had one phone/computer interview but i didn't make the next round of interviews.

I have applied to several churches across the UK, where as you seems like you have only applied to one. However there is one church that seems to stand out from the others. I will find out if i have made the 1st round of interviews by the end of this month or early next!

I pray that God will lead you and open up the right door. It is exciting, no?

Now a word from our sponsers: (If I can be cheeky and plug a great book!)

Check out my book on "Teaching Bible verses to Kids" A valuble book for any kid's ministry! See my sig for details.

Now back to the message!

I really hope you will get the job. Kid's minsitry is just awesome. When is your interview? When will you know if you have got the job? Will be praying for you.

Kevvers

The best way to treat something like this is to test the vocation. It will be more or less a standard job interview. Pray beforehand and let God put the right words in your mouth. Give it your best shot, then turn it over. If you're meant to be there, you will be. If not, it's because God has something better for you.

Good Luck.

BrookieCookie, A prayer for you in this decision. This is fun stuff! I hope it all goes well.

I've been involved in the hiring process many times (in ministries, but not a church). Any time anyone said "God says this is where I am supposed to be," it left a bad taste in the mouth. You'd be surprised at the number of applicants who say this. You're right--let them hear that from God Himself! It sounds like He will make it clear.

At our church (I was not a part of the decision making process, however) they were extremely interested to hear the children's pastor's ideas for growing the minitstry and what he would do differently. He had such enthusiastic ideas that they hired him quickly. So don't stay silent on that score! They want to hear your enthusiasm.

God bless you and your family!

BrookieCookie777 said:

III, I remember you telling me that you were a part of a committee at one time. What kind of things do they normally ask? (If you don't mind to share) Before my first interview with the Pastor, I had all these things written down that I might want to tell them - but, you know, I didn't say any of those things! God had other plans in mind. it was so surreal that honestly I can not remember half of the things I said. It was just like God said "Ok, Brookie. Just be quiet and let me do the talking. I'm good at this you know. My book has been a best seller for 2000 years. " ; ) lol

Since I've never sit in with a committee I was just hoping to see how the atmosphere might be. I am a very cheerful chatty cathy, I guess you could say. I wonder if I am free to talk with everyone or if I just have to answer their questions. I already have all these ideas of what I'd like to do with the youth group and what I'd like to instill in them. I feel so drawn to the church but, I don't know if I should tell them that. I mean, I want them to feel the connection too. I don't want them just to go on what "God told me." I want them to hear it too!

Thanks III. You are the best. . . did I mention - you are the best? =)

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Jeez, just compliment them like you did me and they'll hire you on the spot

As far as the interview, I'd imagine the church has a "search committee" or at least a deacon board that will conduct a formal interview, which will probably be about 10 minutes of chatting, then about 30 - 60 minutes worth of them asking you questions. Hopefully by that time they'll have already run a background check on you and verified your credentials. After the interview you'll probably just hang out with the staff and walk around the campus and chat it up.

It really depends on the church and the situation as to what type of questions they'll ask and what they're looking for. If the position is to head up the youth/children's department, they'll probably ask about:

1) Your personal testimony
2) Your work experience in the field
3) Your personal vision for developing the program
4) Your philosophy of how to nurture and teach children
5) What books you've read / What publications you subscribe to
6) How do you deal with adverse situations
7) Are you an organized person who's capable of running a complex program based on volunteer help
8) Do you agree with their church's doctrinal statement

Mostly, they're looking for 1) are you really qualified, 2) are you really excited about the job, and 3) do you mesh with the staff and personality of the church.

Keep in mind, most churches have a history which you'll be walking into. Maybe the last youth leader was a bully or maybe they weren't organized or maybe they lacked vision or maybe they were perfect and retired. The more you can find out about the history of the church and the personality of the leaders the better. And who knows, you might discover it's not a good fit after all.

Write down a basic vision statement, even if it's just at a philosophical level and outline some ideas for what you'd like to do with the department and how you plan to organize your files. Let them know you're flexible about your ideas, but you're excited about doing an excellent job.

And of course, be your wonderful self! They want to know that you feel God leading you to their church, so definitely share that with them. I'm sure you'll do awesome.

I suppose each church does it differently. For a staff ministerial position (as opposed to pastor--the head honcho), the pastor generally looks through applications and narrows them down to a couple. He then meets with either the church board or a subcommittee of the board, they consider this short list of candidates, may conduct phone interviews, and decides on most qualified, 2nd most qualified, etc. They then pay the money to bring only one of these in for an interview, and either hire that person based on that interview or determine it is not a good fit and go on to the next.

In all churches I've been in, the staff, even ministerial staff members, serve at the pleasure of the pastor, so the pastor has always had the lead in the hiring process.

NDG

That's a good point, Norman, and definitely something to consider for Brooke. I've been in churches where the pastor had pretty much absolute power and churches where the Elder Board ran and administrated the church, along with the staff and the pastor focused on preaching and counselling. We recently hired a new youth pastor at our church and did the whole search committee thing and even called him as an interim for 6 months before hiring him. Every church is different.

Sheesh, BrookieCookie, you're wearing me out just listening to you. I bet you are awesome with the youth. (I wish our youth pastor had half your enthusiasm!)

They'd have to be dumb as dirt not to hire you.

I'm going to take a nap.

BrookieCookie777 said:

I grew up Southern Baptist and this is a more liberal kind of congregation so I've never been in a personel commitee meeting as they don't have too many female leaders. I feel so drawn to the church and just have a deep desire to go help there but, I am just praying for God's will and His perfect plan.

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You grew up Southern Baptist in the South? How far South?

Northern Baptists are not the same. Where are you going?

If you're doing a phone interview, be sure to have your cheat sheet handy. Use III's list and write out your answers and have someone drill you on it. Rehearsing an answer always makes it come out smoother. A tip I learned: after you finish an answer always ask, "Is that what you had in mind?"

Develop some stories that illustrate your various skills. These short antedotes can be thrown in when needed. Also be ready for the questions I hate like, "What was your biggest disappointment? What is your greatest weakness? Where do you see yourself in ten years?, etc."

Think of it like a query letter. Have your two or three sentence response ready and practiced: "I'm a highly effective organizer who..."

Also keep a pen and paper handy. Write down everyone's name. If you need help with spelling, ask. You'll want to send a follow-up letter to each of them thanking them for their time and interest. I know I'm running on, but I want to there whispering hints and coaching.

For inspiration: I heard from a friend that he interviewed for a job and was eventually told, "We don't think you're a good fit for our organization, however, I know that so-and-so is looking for someone with your skills and you'd be perfect there. The Lord will put you where he wants you with, or without, your co-operation.

windyrdg said:

If you're doing a phone interview, be sure to have your cheat sheet handy. Use III's list and write out your answers and have someone drill you on it. Rehearsing an answer always makes it come out smoother. A tip I learned: after you finish an answer always ask, "Is that what you had in mind?"

Develop some stories that illustrate your various skills. These short antedotes can be thrown in when needed. Also be ready for the questions I hate like, "What was your biggest disappointment? What is your greatest weakness? Where do you see yourself in ten years?, etc."

Think of it like a query letter. Have your two or three sentence response ready and practiced: "I'm a highly effective organizer who..."

Also keep a pen and paper handy. Write down everyone's name. If you need help with spelling, ask. You'll want to send a follow-up letter to each of them thanking them for their time and interest. I know I'm running on, but I want to there whispering hints and coaching.

For inspiration: I heard from a friend that he interviewed for a job and was eventually told, "We don't think you're a good fit for our organization, however, I know that so-and-so is looking for someone with your skills and you'd be perfect there. The Lord will put you where he wants you with, or without, your co-operation.

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This is good advice. I did this with the phone interview i had. I checked out the church web site and got a list of names then when it was the interview i checked those that were there.

Be relaxed and be your self. Don't ramble but answer the Q's clearly. It sounds like you have a clear goal and vision for the youth be passonate about it as that will come through.

Kevvers