Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 2/16/2007

Question
What is a reasonable time period for this process to take place?  We do have a by-law and that is not one of the things covered.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Are there guidelines for electing a new pastor?  What sort of questions should be asked?  Is there a rating scale to be used by the Pul-pit committee?
-----Answer-----
Hi Bertha,

THanks for this great question.  One of the Baptist distinctives is the Autonomy of the local church.  In other words, each church is its own entity and there is no governing body that has set up standards like a rating scale or a question guide.  

Your church may have a detailed process explained in your constitution and by-laws.  Our church is specific as to the Pastor's qualifications and the process to find him.  The Bible gives us a list of qualifications for a pastor.

1 Timothy 3:1-7


This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 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.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Having said that, I can list a few questions that may be helpful to a pulpit committee, but they are by no means exhaustive.

1. Do you agree with our church's statement of faith without reservation?

2.  Do you believe the Bible is perfect and without error?

3.  If you were called to be our pastor, tell us how you would spend your time.  Give us an idea what your weekly schedule would be like?

4.  Why do you believe that God might be calling you to our church?

5.  How would you know that it is God's will for you to pastor our church?

6.  What concerns do you have about our church that you would want to address?

7.  If you became our pastor, what is the first thing that you would want to change?

8.  What is your philosophy about outreach, music, missions, eccuminical cooperation?

These are a few questions that I could think of off the top of my head.  I hope that they are a help.

In Christ
Pastor Don

Answer
Hi Bertha,

I am sorry to tell you that often it can be a time consuming process... especially if the pulpit committee is not experienced and do not have clear guidelines provided by the constitution and by-laws.  Many Churches take anywhere from 6 months to 3 years to find a pastor.  If your church cannot pay a full salery it makes it much more difficult.

I would suggest that you contact some Bible Colleges and speak with their placement offices.  They will help you match up with good candidates.  

I am praying for you and your church.  

In Christ
Pastor Don