Selecting a new pastor can be difficult. For many churches, the search committee feels lost because the spiritual leader (former pastor) has left and now they have big shoes to fill. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of “how to select a new pastor” training programs out there.
If there were one piece of advice I would give any church regarding selecting a new pastor, it would be to take your time. Why?
1) The role of pastor is not to be taken lightly. Hebrews 13:17 reveals that the pastor is one who will keep “a watch on your soul… as [one] who will have to give an account.” To be honest, if any man is willing to rush into this role, he probably isn’t feeling the weight of the matter fully.
Consider spending extended periods of time in prayer before approaching a prospect. Ask God to give your congregation and search committee wisdom and direction.
Try to avoid asking the congregation to vote on a new pastor based upon one sermon and a short q&a session. Consider asking the prospect to spend extended time over several weeks with different groups in the congregation if possible so that everyone knows the person behind the pulpit. Church members need to observe his character, discuss his theological positions, and understand his personality, gifts, talents, weaknesses, and strengths. He should be able to discuss his philosophy of ministry, understanding of discipleship, views on education, ideas about the role of pastor, and views on church structure and authority (among other things).
2) The next pastor will influence your church’s direction. Your former pastor most likely set a new direction or continued an existing direction for your church. Whether the congregation desires to continue that direction or to change is vital to selecting a new pastor. This needs to be settled before searching for a prospect. A church without a sense of direction is unlikely to find a pastor who is a good fit, because the “fit” has not been defined. This is unfair to everyone –especially the pastoral candidate.
Many times, one bad decision leads to another. For some churches, the last pastor may have left in a sea of controversy because the direction of the church was not considered before he was hired. Rushing to select a new pastor without considering the church’s direction will only repeat (and likely exasperate) this issue.
Other churches never seem to make any progress in their mission because each new pastor brings a new direction, which counteracts (rather than complements) the direction of his predecessors. The result is that the church just keeps moving in circles –never really going anywhere.
Churches should ask themselves, “What kind of community are we set in?” “What are the greatest needs in our church and community?” “How do we want to pursue evangelism and discipleship?” “What are our priorities in ministry?” “What style of leadership are we comfortable/not comfortable with?”
3) Your congregation needs time to process. In any job, it’s usually difficult to fill the shoes of a predecessor because of outside expectations left over from the past person. For this reason, the congregation needs time to clear up expectations, re-think priorities, and define its identity apart from the former pastor. This will save everyone heartache and difficulties. In many instances, an “intentional interim” is a great way to facilitate this process. When possible, utilizing existing leaders to fulfill the former pastor’s roles for a season is very beneficial.
4) Your existing leaders have an opportunity to grow. Many churches grow spiritually when without a pastor due to the new responsibilities some leaders face. Unfortunately, sometimes those leaders give the responsibilities back when the new pastor arrives! The greatest way to develop leaders in your church is to give them opportunities to minister. Do you have men who can fill the pulpit? What about members who can visit the hospital?
Many times, the results of such “pitching in” by various individuals in the church creates unprecedented ministry focus and church unity.
5) Jesus is the chief Shepherd of your church. While it may seem scary to “take your time” when selecting a new pastor, don’t forget that Jesus is your “chief Shepherd” (I Peter 5:4). Your in good hands until He send a new leader you way. Until then, take advantage of this opportunity for maturity that Christ has put in front of your Church!