Appendix 11: Potential Search Committee Questions for a Pastoral Candidate

Potential Search Committee Questions for a Pastoral Candidate

Theology (What do you believe about…?)

z What do you believe about the Bible? z How is a person saved? z What is God’s role in salvation? z What is the person’s role in salvation? z What is “the Gospel?” z What is the purpose of the church?

Evangelism/Outreach (How do you share your faith and lead the church in outreach?)

z Describe a time when you shared your faith personally. z What is your favorite way to present the Gospel? z Approximately how often do you personally share your faith? z How do you think a church should reach out to lost people? What is your preferred strategy or strategies? z What is the role of church members in the numerical growth of the church? z How should the church conduct follow-up on guests and prospects?

Discipleship (How do you develop believers?)

z What is your preferred way to study the Bible personally? z What strategy do you prefer in discipling new believers? z What is the best way for discipleship to occur in the local church? z What is your view of Sunday School? Small groups?

Leadership (How do you lead the congregation?)

z How do you understand pastoral authority? z What is the purpose of deacons? z How should the pastor relate to the deacons? z What is the purpose of committees/ministry teams? z How should the pastor relate to committees/ministry teams?

Administration (How do you oversee the administration of the church?)

z What is your opinion of church constitution and bylaws? z What purpose should the constitution and bylaws play in the church?

z How should significant financial decisions be made? z What is the pastor’s relationship to the church’s finances? z Are you comfortable moderating business meetings?

Ministry (How do you oversee care for the congregation?)

z What is your favorite part of ministry care in the church? z What part of ministry care is the greatest struggle for you? z What is the pastor’s role in ensuring the members receive ministry care?

Worship

z What should a worship service look like? z What is your preferred style of worship music? z Who is responsible for leading the worship service? z What is your view of the invitation at the end of the sermon?

Staff

z Do you have experience leading a staff? (number, type, etc.) z Describe how you would lead and relate to the staff. z How would you conduct staff meetings? z Have you ever used a goals-oriented system of accountability? z How would you address problems with staff performance?

Missions

z What is your preferred churchwide strategy for missions? z Have you been on mission trips? If so, please expound. z What is your opinion of the Cooperative Program? z What is your opinion of the Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong, and Dixie Jackson offerings? z Are you actively involved in the local association? State convention? z What is your opinion about attending the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting?

Other

z Purpose of Sunday evening and Wednesday evening? z What are your views on current social issues? z What role does the Internet play in the church’s ministry? z What role does social media play in your life and ministry? z What is your experience and plan for addressing the threat of sexual abuse in the church? z What is your opinion and experience with church discipline? z Describe your family. Have you ever been divorced? If so, please expound.