The Pastoral Search: Questions to Ask Potential Candidates
Because calling a pastor will determine the direction of a church and its ministry priorities, it can be slightly overwhelming. That pressure reinforces the seriousness of the process, which is good. Sometimes, just a little help can be useful in getting churches on the right track. To help with that, here is a list of potential questions that you may be able to use in your pastoral search process.
Instructions for Using These Questions: Calling a pastor is one of the most serious and critical responsibilities a church body can undertake because it determines the church’s future direction about how it will serve the Lord. The shepherd who stands in the pulpit will work alongside fellow leaders to shape the spiritual health, unity, and mission of your church for years to come. Because of this weighty stewardship, we encourage every search committee to approach the process with prayer and dependence upon God, asking the Holy Spirit for biblical wisdom and discernment as you evaluate each candidate.
The following list of questions is offered as a helpful resource and starting point. It is not meant to be an exhaustive checklist or rigid script. It is unlikely you will have the opportunity or time to ask every question. Instead, treat this as a guide that can spark thoughtful conversation tailored to your church’s unique context, culture, needs, and calling.
Recommendations as you prepare:
Begin with prayer, asking the Lord to guide your discussion and discernment, while trusting that He is sovereign over this process.
As a committee, review the candidate’s submitted materials and then determine which questions are most helpful in clarifying questions you have or most relevant to your church’s current season and expectations of ministry.
Determine together which questions are most important, develop additional questions as you see necessary, and thoughtfully assign them among the search team based on each person’s gifts, experiences, and areas of concern. This will allow for more natural and meaningful conversations.
Listen attentively, not just for the answers but also for the candidate’s character, humility, and passion for Christ and His church. Pay attention to how well their responses align with Scripture and with the specific needs of your congregation.
Section 1: Personal & Family Life
1. Briefly share your testimony.
2. At this time in your life, how would you assess your spiritual growth?
3. What spiritual disciplines guide your life?
4. How do you lead your family toward sanctification?
5. Do you have unusual difficulties with raising children?
6. Does your family support you being in pastoral ministry?
7. How does your family feel about a change in churches (and possibly location)?
8. What are your expectations of the church for providing support for your family?
9. If you were to move here, what type of housing would you seek?
10. Do you have salary expectations? Do you have expectations for future raises?
11. Do you have a retirement plan? Do you expect the church to contribute to that plan?
12. Do you have any outstanding debts? Are they creating any struggles for your family?
Section 2: Ministry and Education Background
1. Why are you a pastor? What compelled you to pursue pastoral ministry?
2. What motivates you as a pastor?
3. Describe your strengths and weaknesses that may enhance or hinder your pastoral role.
4. What do you and your wife expect her role to be in your ministry?
5. Are there any elder qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 that you struggle with? If so, can you describe those struggles?
6. What is your personal experience in evangelism, local ministry, and global missions?
7. What past ministry responsibilities have you participated in?
8. What role does pastoral care and counseling have in your current ministry?
9. What is your spiritual gift? What led you to conclude that is your spiritual gift?
10. What are your expectations or goals for the next 5 years? 10 years?
11. How has your past education helped equip you for ministry?
12. Do you have plans for future education? What role do you believe the church should play in your continuing education?
Section 3: Theology & Convictions
1. Articulate the gospel in 300 words or less?
2. To what degree, if any, do you differ with the doctrinal positions of this church?
3. What are your doctrinal distinctives in the following areas:
· Total Depravity
· Election
· Limited Atonement
· Cessationism vs. Continuationism
· Eschatology
· Creation
· Complementarianism vs. Egalitarianism
· Baptism
· Musical Worship Styles
· Divorce and Remarriage
4. Do you have any other particular doctrinal distinctives that we should know about?
5. Describe your basic approach to the interpretation of Scripture?
Section 4: Philosophy of Ministry
1. Describe your personal vision for ministry.
2. In your view, what are two or three practices necessary for cultivating a healthy local church?
3. Describe what role discipleship has in the church and how that role is achieved.
4. What is your view on the church’s responsibility in missions?
5. What role does outreach play in your vision for ministry, and how do you see this church helping to achieve that vision?
6. Do you utilize, recommend, or encourage any particular curriculum resources to be used in Sunday school, Bible studies, small groups, etc.?
Section 5: Preaching & Pastoral Care
1. Describe your sermon preparation process.
2. How much time do you devote each week to sermon preparation?
3. What is the typical length of your sermons?
4. What is your approach to preaching?
5. What role do pastoral care and counseling have in ministry?
6. Do you consider yourself a counselor?
7. Describe your views, preparation, and process for counseling.
8. How do you equip church members to care for other members?
9. What role do you have in visiting members and church guests?
10. Do you have any restrictions on performing marriages? Do you perform premarital counseling? If so, what does that look like for you?
Section 6: Congregational Leadership
1. Describe your leadership ‘style.’ To what extent are you self-directed in your ministry responsibilities?
2. What form of church government do you view as most biblical?
3. How would you describe your relationship with your current church leaders? Have you experienced conflict with a church board (and if so, how was it resolved)?
4. Describe a grievance you have had with any of the churches you have served? How was it resolved?
5. How comfortable are you providing direction to staff members?
6. How would you respond to staff members who are doing a poor job in their role?
7. Describe your experience in identifying and developing spiritual leaders.
8. How would you respond to non-staff members engaged in ministry who are doing a poor job in their role?
9. What would your priorities be in the first six months?
10. What changes might a church expect if you were to become its pastor?
11. Have you had any experience with church building or expansions? What was your experience?
Section 7: Church Specific Questions
1. What attracts you to this church? How long would you like to stay at this church?
2. Are you familiar with the history of the church? Do you have any questions about the history?
3. How familiar are you with the current life of the church? Do you have any questions?
4. What do you see that you like about our church?
5. What concerns do you have about our church?
6. What questions do you have about this position or the church that have not been answered?