Searching for a Ministerial Job
A Guide for Women
WELCOME
We’re excited to have you here! As a woman in ministry, you have a unique perspective and a wealth of gifts to offer the world. We know that navigating the path to a fulfilling ministry career can sometimes feel like a challenge. That’s why we’ve created this resource to help you shine.
As a woman entering or advancing in ministry, you may encounter unique obstacles including gender bias, limited opportunities for leadership roles, and preconceived notions about women’s capabilities. While these challenges may be difficult to overcome, strategic preparation is how you present yourself as a strong candidate.
This resource is designed to empower women in ministry by providing practical guidance and insights on resume development, cover letter writing, and interview preparation. By following the tips and strategies outlined here, you can create a compelling professional profile that highlights your unique qualifications and positions you as a strong contender for ministry roles.
Let’s work together to break down barriers and open doors to a fulfilling ministry career.
Resource
written by:
Nikki Hardeman Director of Advocating for Women in Ministry Baptist Women in Ministry
2024 Baptist Women in Ministry All rights reserved.
Designed by: Katie Michelle Design
ELEMENTS OF A MINISTRY RESUME
Your resume is often the first impression you make to potential employers in the process of ministry job searches. Developing a standout resume requires a deep understanding of yourself, your target audience, the specific ministry you are pursuing, and the key skills and experiences that are most valued in the field. A well-crafted document is essential for showcasing your skills, experience, and passion for serving. In a field that often relies on personal connections and referrals, a compelling resume can be the key to unlocking new opportunities.
● Ministry objective:
A ministry objective is not required, but it can set the tone for your resume and may help you stand out among your peers. A ministry objective is typically listed at the top of your resume, and is a concise statement that summarizes your vocational goals, ministerial calling, and how these align with the job and organization to which you are applying. You will need to adjust it each time you apply to a different job. Keep it 1 or 2 sentences. Highlight your passions, strengths, and any contributions you would make if you get the job. Below are some examples.
○ Highly motivated Baptist minister seeking a position to utilize preaching and pastoral care skills to nurture spiritual growth within a welcoming community.
○ Dedicated Christian education leader with a passion for youth development, seeking a role at 123 Baptist Church to develop engaging programs and empower young people in their faith journey.
○ Experienced worship leader with a gift for music ministry, eager to contribute to a vibrant worship team at XYZ Baptist Church and inspire others through music.
● Education and Training:
Prominently list your seminary or theological education, highlighting any secondary education degrees (do not include high school diplomas), certifications, or specialized training programs relevant to your ministry goals. If you don’t have a seminary degree, list any secondary education in reverse chronological order.
● Highlight Relevant Experience:
List your ministry experience in reverse chronological order. Include details of your responsibilities and accomplishments. Accomplishments have to do with significant success on the job, for example, growing a bible study, increasing the number of volunteers over the course of the year, or saving your organization in costs by increasing efficiency. Be concise in descriptions of your experience to increase readability and to keep your most relevant information on the first page.
● Quantify Your Accomplishments:
Did your youth group grow by 30%? Did you spearhead a clothing drive that collected 500 items? Quantify your impact whenever possible, especially when describing your relevant experience.
● Publications:
If you have published in print or digital publications you can include those in their own section.
● Leadership, Volunteerism and Awards:
Include a section for other leadership experience and recognition outside of your relevant ministerial experience. This is one way to demonstrate your experience and competence when you have been blocked from congregational opportunities because of your gender. Examples include board or church committee service, volunteer work, and academic or ministerial leadership awards. Combining leadership, volunteer work, and awards together in one section saves valuable space. However, if you have 3 or more in any of the areas that are relevant, you may choose to create a separate section for each one. When choosing what to include, relevance and significance are important. For example, don’t include one afternoon spent volunteering at your church’s clothing closet, but do include that you organized or led the clothing closet ministry for a year.
● Skills:
When creating a skills section focus on the skills that help you stand out as a desirable candidate for the position. Some important skills for ministry jobs today are social media development, graphic design, and video editing. Other skill ideas are database management, web design, and grant writing. Only include skills you actually possess.
● References:
It is common to include 3 or 4 references on your resume. It is important to choose at least 1 or 2 people who have worked with you. Additionally, make sure at least half of your references are women. They will have a unique ability to advocate for you. Finally, it is a good idea to include someone familiar to the hiring church/ organization if you can. Do not use a family member as a reference. Make sure you ask your references’ permission to use their name and let them know when to expect a call if possible.
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL WORLD WITH YOUR RESUME
Crafting two versions of your resume – one for print and one for digital –can enhance your job application process. A digital resume, often in PDF format, can be shared electronically and clicked on for more information. This format allows for the inclusion of hyperlinks to your website, sermons, and publications, providing interviewer(s) with additional insights into your qualifications. In contrast, a print resume is ideal for traditional applications and in-person interviews, offering a tangible representation of your skills and experience. By preparing both versions, you ensure that your resume is adaptable to various application methods, maximizing your chances of making a positive impression and securing your desired ministry position.
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL WORLD WITH VIDEO
Make your reviewers’ job easier by creating a 2-3 minute “highlight reel” of your sermons or speeches. This will show those reviewing your application a snapshot of your theological and worldview as well as your public speaking skills.
YOUR RESUME FILE
Include in order, your cover letter, resume, and references in one file. When naming your resume file, include your last name. If you create a printable and digital version, designate them in the file name. Print both versions to ensure they are formatted consistently in both digital and print format. This will help the search committee when they are juggling several applications.
THE DETAILS MATTER
When job searching, it’s easy to overlook crucial details. By paying close attention to the small things, you can significantly improve your job search. Here are a few tips to help you avoid missing important details on your resume.
● Keywords:
Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume, including specific areas of ministry (preaching, youth, worship, outreach). Pay attention to the organization’s values both in the job description and on their website. Demonstrate an awareness of those values with the words you use.
● Use a Thesaurus:
Edit for repeated words paying close attention to your verbs. Google “action words for resume” to find new words to describe your experience.
● Write in Active Voice, Not Passive Voice:
Active voice is generally preferred because it is a clearer and more direct way of writing. It makes your accomplishments sound more impressive and purposeful. Some examples include:
Passive Voice:
○ I was given the opportunity to present at the church conference.
○ I was responsible for supervising a team of five.
○ A new outreach program was developed by the team.
Active Voice:
○ I presented at the church conference.
○ I supervised a team of five.
○ I led the team in developing a new outreach program.
● Researching the Church/Organization:
When researching the hiring church/organization, you will likely begin by reading their website. Be sure to look for their mission and vision statement and any other ways they describe who they are. It can be incredibly helpful to find a former employee of the church/organization to learn more about it. Develop a few questions before you reach out to them. Finally, it is a good idea to do an internet search on the church/organization to see if any news articles pop up that offer more insight on the church/organization.
● Edit more than once:
In addition to the suggestions below, ask a friend to edit your resume. Fresh eyes often bring a fresh perspective.
Round 1: Eliminate Passive Voice
Round 2: Proof for Spelling and Grammar
Round 3: Check for Conciseness
Round 4: Ensure Consistent Formatting
Round 5: Check Usage of Job Description Key Words
STYLE
If you search for examples of resume styles online, you will find more than you can process. At the end of the day, the most important style characteristics are readability and consistency in formatting. Below are resume style tips.
○ Color is not needed. If you choose to use some color, keep it minimal. It should only enhance your resume, not be the one thing remembered about your resume.
○ Consistency is key! If you bold the job title and not the organization name in one job entry, it should be formatted the same in every entry and across different sections of your resume. Below are examples of common inconsistencies.
● Start all bullet points the same way. Don't start some with verbs and others with a noun subject.
● Make sure your verb tense is correct and consistent. Use past tense for previous experiences and present tense for your current experience.
● End sentences in resume entries with the same punctuation or lack thereof. If one bullet point ends with a period, they all should.
● Keep comma use consistent. Don't use the oxford comma in some places, but not in others.
○ Do not make thin margins simply to fit more on the page. Rather, make your experience descriptions more concise.
○ You do not need to include a picture. While some may advise you to include it, it is no longer a common practice.
○ Including your physical address is optional. Providing one can help a potential employer identify you when looking for more information. Conversely, leaving it off may offer an advantage if hiring you will cause the church/organization to incur moving costs.
○ If you use a hiring firm to look for jobs, keep the style very simple as they may send resumes through a digital reader. Complicated formatting will make it difficult for the reader to understand your resume.
Resume Don’ts:
-Overly Designed -Passive Voice
-Photo Unnecessary -Too Much Color
Resume Dos:
-Simple formatting -Concise Descriptions -Active voice
A final word about style. Design your resume so it reflects who you are as a person, minister, and employee. Your resume is quite likely the first impression you make to a potential employer. You want them to gain a sense of who you are through your resume. For example, if your resume includes graphic design and is bold and busy, then an employer will assume that you are skilled in graphic design, or may, however consciously or subconsciously, assume that you are a bold and busy person. If you do not know how to do graphic design, don’t have someone else design your resume for you. Show the skills that you have. If you are a simple and quiet person, having the style reflect your vocational personality will eliminate the chance that they misunderstand who you are. Applying well for a job is as much about communicating who you are as it is demonstrating what you have accomplished. You can work toward both of these goals at every step of the process, including your resume and cover letter.
PREPARING YOUR COVER LETTER
Purpose:
While a resume is straightforward in sharing information, the cover letter is a place to show your personality and help the search committee get to know who you are as a minister, as an employee, and as a person.
Opening:
Address the search committee or person who will make the hire and express your enthusiasm for the specific church or ministry and its mission. Make connections to your passion and your call to ministry.
Highlight Your Alignment:
Briefly explain how your skills and experience align with the organization’s needs and values as outlined in the job description. Be sure to use language that is in the job description.
Passion and Commitment:
It is important to research the church/organization with which you are interviewing with beyond the job description or on their website. Take time to explore their website and search for news articles about them. Using this information, express your passion for ministry and your commitment to serving the church’s/organization’s well-being. This is a great way to connect your unique voice and experiences as a leader and a minister to their mission and purpose.
Be Succinct:
Keep your cover letter to one page. Help those who are hiring quickly connect with you, your passion, and your story from the beginning. Don’t make them read a second page to learn the best things about you.
Call to Action:
End by expressing your desire to interview and discuss how your skills can benefit the church/organization.
Address Challenges:
Have you been out of the job market for a while because you chose to stay home to raise your children? Has all of your previous work been in the marketplace instead of traditional ministerial spaces? Have you struggled to gain the experience expected by the organization because of barriers women face in finding a position? This is a great place to positively address these challenges. Demonstrate how you have gained the needed skills even if it hasn’t been through traditional or expected work experience. Do not complain about the barriers you have faced, rather acknowledge the barriers while emphasizing your passion, interest, and competence for the work. Discuss the uniqueness of your journey and how it has prepared you to be the ideal candidate for this position.
TRANSLATING A MARKETPLACE RESUME TO A MINISTRY RESUME
Increasingly, people are entering ministry as a second career. For those in this position, knowing how to articulate the ways your work in the marketplace connects to ministry is important. Many valuable skills you've honed in other careers can translate beautifully to the world of ministry. Here's a guide to help you bridge the gap and showcase your strengths in your ministerial job search.
Identify Your Transferable Skills
Leadership:
Did you manage teams, delegate tasks, or motivate colleagues? These skills translate to leading a congregation, overseeing ministries, and guiding volunteers.
Communication:
Are you a skilled communicator, presenter, or writer? These abilities are vital for preaching, leading worship services, and connecting with your congregation.
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:
Have you navigated complex challenges or made data-driven decisions in your marketplace role? These skills are essential for addressing pastoral concerns, managing church finances, and finding creative solutions.
Organization and Time Management:
Did you excel at project management, scheduling, or meeting deadlines? These skills are crucial for organizing church events, managing staff schedules, and overseeing multiple ministries.
Building Relationships:
Did you thrive in client relations, customer service, or building rapport with colleagues? These skills are essential for pastoral care, building trust with your congregation, and fostering a welcoming church environment.
Translate Marketplace Experiences to Ministry Settings
Marketing: Showcase your marketing skills in crafting engaging outreach programs to connect with the community.
Human Resources: Communicate your experience in conflict resolution and employee relations as strengths in pastoral care and navigating interpersonal issues within a congregation or an organization.
Accounting: Highlight your financial management skills as valuable assets for overseeing church/organization budgets and promoting responsible stewardship.
Sales and Business Development: Market your skills in the areas of business and sales as easily translatable to growing a church/organization through outreach programs, fundraising initiatives, and building relationships with community partners.
Curriculum Development: Share your background in curriculum development as a valuable asset to creating engaging educational programs for Sunday School, youth groups, or adult education classes.
Classroom Management: Talk about your classroom management experience as having prepared you to lead in worship, manage a group of students, or guide volunteers within the church.
Social Media Management: Leverage your social media expertise to create engaging online content, connect with the community, and promote church events.
Web Design and Development: Illustrate how your skills in web design and development are valuable for maintaining the church website, creating online resources, or developing a user-friendly online giving platform.
Grant Writing: Communicate your background in grant writing as an asset to secure funding for church programs, outreach initiatives, or social justice projects.
Fundraising and Development: Raise your experience in fundraising and development as useful to securing donations, organizing fundraising events, managing stewardship programs within the church, and relationship building after programs.
When applying for ministry positions, it’s crucial to present your marketplace experiences in ways that highlight their relevance to ministry work. On your resume, reframe your professional titles and responsibilities using ministry-specific terminology. In your cover letter, actively connect your past experiences to the specific needs of the church/ organization by providing concrete examples of how your skills have led to positive outcomes. Don’t rely on the search committee members or the person hiring you to translate your experience to their context. Do that work for them. During interviews, be prepared to discuss your transferable skills and how you would apply them to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the church/organization. By effectively translating your transferable skills, you demonstrate to search committees that you possess the well-rounded skill set needed to thrive in a ministry role. Remember, your valuable marketplace experiences can be a strong foundation for a fulfilling and impactful ministry career.
INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Ministry interviews can be a mix of excitement and anxiety for anyone interviewing. Women, however, may face additional challenges. Unconscious bias by the interviewers and internalized gender bias by the female interviewees mean women face relatively unseen challenges in the interview space. These challenges, such as being perceived as less assertive or qualified, can impact a woman’s ability to present herself effectively. Furthermore, women may be subjected to more scrutiny regarding their work-life balance or career interruptions, which can be unfairly discriminatory.
With careful planning and preparation, you can confidently showcase your qualifications and overcome these obstacles. By understanding these potential challenges and implementing strategies to address them, you can increase your chance of success in ministry interviews.
Examples of Bias:
● It may be assumed that women will prioritize family more than (and in different ways from) men, preventing them from being fully present to their job. It is important to be upfront about ways you will prioritize work and how you will draw boundaries for your family in a way that models healthy family/ work balance.
● Women are often seen as being nurturing and collaborative. This is often juxtaposed in people’s minds with a lack of assertiveness and decisiveness, which are crucial to leadership. For women gifted at ministry, this difference may seem even more stark in the mind of a potential employer. You can demonstrate that being nurturing and assertive are not mutually exclusive characteristics. For example, you can share about a time you provided firm guidance or set clear boundaries while maintaining empathy and understanding. You could describe a situation where you’ve led a team with a supportive and encouraging approach, while also making tough decisions and holding people accountable. By demonstrating that you can be both nurturing and assertive, you can challenge stereotypes and position yourself as a strong, compassionate leader.
● It is natural for the hiring person or group to prioritize people with more experience. If you lack experience simply because the opportunities have not been available to you as a woman, spend time preparing to talk about experience you have received that they may not naturally recognize.
● An aspect of unconscious bias against women is that more scrutiny is placed on women’s bodies than men’s. Even though it is unjust that your appearance will be judged more harshly, be aware of this reality as you get ready and choose your attire for the interview. Continue to express your personal style and dress in a way that makes you feel confident for the interview, but exercise heightened awareness as to how bias might affect perception of you.
● Pay attention to the internal biases you may have picked up over the years. The voices in our heads telling us we aren’t good enough can derail our confidence and keep us from demonstrating our best and most unique qualities. Do the work to silence those voices so you can step up and step out in faith that God has called you.
● Develop Several Stories:
Take time to think of stories from your experiences that will help you answer questions well. Stories are easy to remember and they contextualize your responses helping you to answer questions more fully and effectively. If you have less experience in a job setting, consider stories from any of your experiences in life.
To effectively prepare your stories, consider using the STAR method to structure your responses. This method involves describing a specific situation, the task you were responsible for, the actions you took, and the result of your efforts. By following this framework, you can provide concrete examples of your skills and experiences, demonstrating your ability to handle challenges, solve problems, and achieve positive outcomes.
● Some stories that are good to prepare:
○ A time you implemented a new program or a change.
○ An example of when you handled conflict.
○ A time you did work that you were really proud of.
○ A time you made a significant error at your job and what you learned from it.
○ A time you demonstrated the ability to work on your own.
○ A time you collaborated well with colleagues.
○ A story that showcases your leadership abilities.
● Articulate a sense of call and your faith journey:
Being able to articulate a personal sense of call and how your perspective on faith has developed is crucial for interviewers to believe that you will be able to communicate clearly about faith with others. Be prepared to answer the question in brief fashion (3-5 minutes) and to give a longer answer (10+ minutes). If they do not share how long the interview will be and how many questions there are, you can ask something like: “Thank you so much for asking this question. My faith journey is very important to me so I could talk about it for over an hour, but I want to respect our time. How long do we have in our interview for me to respond to this question?”
● Dress Professionally:
First impressions matter, so dress appropriately for the church’s/organization’s culture. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
● Be Enthusiastic and Positive:
Show your passion for ministry and genuine interest in the opportunity. If you need to explain a lapse in employment, your enthusiasm can show that you are resilient.
● Articulate Your Vision:
Briefly share your vision for the role and how you can contribute to the church’s/ organization’s growth.
Thank you
Dear Search Committee,
I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to interview for the ministry position at Faith Baptist Church on October 10. It was a pleasure to meet with you and learn more about the wonderful work being done in your community.
Thank you once again for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the meaningful work at Faith Baptist Church. Please let me know if you need any more information from my side.
Warmest regards, Sarah
Smith
● Follow Up with a Thank You Note: Express your gratitude for the interview and reiterate your interest in the position.
● Practice Makes Perfect:
Conduct mock interviews with a friend, a colleague, or a career counselor. This helps you refine your answers and build confidence.
Zoom Interviews:
In today’s hiring processes it is common to have a first interview via zoom. It is important to think through your setup and test it before the actual interview. As you prepare, ensure a quiet environment with good lighting and a neutral, clean background. Avoid conducting the interview from your vehicle. Dress professionally, like you would if you were meeting the interviewer(s) in person. Paying attention to these details will demonstrate to the interviewer(s) that you have prepared and planned for the interview.
Common Ministry Interview Questions:
● Describe your experience in ministry.
As women, we are taught to be humble and to not brag about things we do well. This may be good advice for getting along with colleagues and making friends, but it will not serve you in the interview room. Make a list of all the things you are proud of in your work. Develop stories around them so you will remember them. Find ways to include these accomplishments as you answer questions in the interview setting. Because of the ways our society is conditioned to view women, confidence may be seen as a challenge to the traditional understanding of women. It is important to be aware of this dynamic even as you assert your worth and confidence in the job search process. When you present your achievements with conviction, you defy these stereotypes and challenge the status quo of what it means to be a woman.
● What are your strengths and weaknesses?
The question will likely not be worded this clear. What a committee or person is looking for is evidence that you are self aware and that you know how to compensate for your weaknesses. One way to think about this is that strengths and weaknesses are often two sides of the same coin. For example, a woman who is good at communicating may struggle to listen easily. In the interview, she may share that to compensate, she has developed a strategy: scheduling important meetings for earlier in the day when she is most alert, and then following up with a summary email to ensure she has accurately captured the key points. Always be sure to put the emphasis on your strengths, while understanding that awareness about your weaknesses is a strength in its own right.
● Why are you interested in this specific position/church/ organization?
Demonstrate that you have done your research on the position and the church/ organization. You may talk about long-term goals for your professional life and the ways this position will help you achieve those goals.
● Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Most employers know the people they hire will not be with them forever. When this question is asked, be honest about your hopes and goals for your life, while avoiding the implication that this job is a stepping stone for you. It is good to demonstrate your drive. By sharing your hopes for the future, your employer will recognize your enthusiasm as an asset.
● How do you handle conflict?
When interviewers ask about conflict, they’re not simply seeking a tale of overcoming adversity. They’re assessing your self-awareness, conflict resolution skills, and ability to learn from challenges. This question invites you to delve deeper than simply blaming external factors. It’s about demonstrating your capacity for introspection and growth. Instead of focusing solely on the problem and its solution, explore your role in the conflict. By acknowledging your part in it, you showcase maturity, empathy, and a willingness to take responsibility.
● Anticipate Ministry-Specific Questions:
Tailor your responses based on the ministry focus of the job to which you are applying (youth, worship, outreach, development, event planning, etc.).
By preparing for these common questions and tailoring your responses to the specific ministry, you’ll be prepared for a successful interview. Remember, your passion for serving others and your unique skills will shine through when you are well-prepared.
● Develop Your Own Questions:
Prepare insightful questions about the church/organization, staff dynamics, and their vision for the future.
○ When learning about [name of church/organization] I read [something that intrigued you or brought up a question in your research]. Can you tell me more about it?
○ Could you elaborate on the team structure and who I would be working closely with?
○ You mention [topic from the interview]. Can you elaborate more about how this fits into the overall mission of the church or organization?
○ How would you describe the church/congregational/ organizational culture?
○ What are the next steps/ When can I expect to hear from you?
Interview Boundaries:
Below you will find questions that are out of bounds for secular employers to ask but churches have wide latitude. If a church is asking these questions, the candidate may clarify the reasons for asking them. If the questions are invasive or seek to hold a minister to a standard not shared in the church, that is a red flag of an unhealthy church culture. Applicants should carefully evaluate their willingness to answer the questions and/or remain in the process with the church.
Are you pregnant?
What is your political affiliation?
What is your race, color, or ethnicity?
How old are you?
Do you have a disability?
Are you married?
Do you have children or plan to?
Are you in debt?
Do you socially drink or smoke?
FINAL THOUGHTS AND TIPS FOR YOUR MINISTERIAL SEARCH
Trust in your unique abilities and continue to seek guidance from mentors and spiritual leaders. Every woman on a job search journey needs confidants they can trust and who will encourage them through the process. God gave you unique abilities to serve in the places and people to which you are called.
As you walk through this process, resist the temptation to try to appear to be someone you are not just because it is what you think a church/organization wants. If they hire you, they will expect you to be someone else which will burn you out and leave them disappointed. At the end of a good interview you should say to yourself, “I feel confident that I showed them who I am.”
Your unique experiences and perspectives are valuable contributions to the ministry world and to God’s world. Do not let the obstacles women face discourage you from pursuing your calling or believing that your call is not real.
● Build a Strong Network:
Connect with other women in ministry, attend conferences, join a peer group, and join professional organizations to expand your network and seek support. This might look like connecting with your denomination, joining an affinity group of ministers who are doing the type of ministry to which you feel called, or connecting with the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education if you are headed toward chaplaincy.
● Leverage Your Digital Presence:
Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your skills, connect with potential employers, and stay updated on ministerial trends. Similarly, this is a good time to Google yourself. The people interviewing you will do this for sure. Beat them to it and see what your digital footprint says about you. This will allow you to address any concerns or clean up your footprint.
● Consider Volunteering or Internships:
Gaining experience and exposure to different ministry settings through volunteer work or internships is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to this work and to your call. It will also show future employers that even when you didn’t have a job in the ministerial world, you found ways to keep your skills fresh and sharp.
● Be Patient and Persistent:
The job search process can take time, often more than we anticipate when beginning. Stay patient, persistent, and maintain a positive attitude. If you find yourself discouraged, reach out to a friend who can pep you up. You are always welcome to call Baptist Women in Ministry for support and encouragement.
● Seek Mentorship:
Find a mentor who can offer guidance, support, and advice throughout your career journey. Baptist Women in Ministry has a mentoring program if you struggle to find one near you.
● Facing Rejection
When rejection comes, remember that it is not an indictment on who you are, your character, or your competence. Rejection is a part of the job search process. There may be a number of factors at play about which you are unaware. All you can control is presenting yourself honestly. Don’t let it discourage you. Learn from each experience and keep moving forward.
● Prioritize Self-Care:
Take care of your physical and mental health during the job search process. Engage in activities that help you relax, recharge, and maintain a positive outlook. This is incredibly important for when the right job comes along. Don’t let the job search deplete you so much that you cannot bring your full self to the process.
●
Be Flexible and Open-Minded:
Consider a wider range of ministry opportunities, including part-time roles, freelance work, or starting your own ministry. Ministry careers often take circuitous routes. Be open to opportunities in front of you even as you work toward your goals.
● Focus on Your Strengths:
Highlight your unique skills and experiences in your resume, cover letters, and in the interview process. Emphasize and re-emphasize your strengths and how they can contribute to the ministry for which you are applying.
As you navigate the challenging landscape of ministry job searches, remember that your perseverance and faith are invaluable assets. While the journey may be arduous, your dedication to your call will strengthen you as you search for fulfilling opportunities. The barriers are real, but so is your call. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and personal development. As you navigate each challenge you will be more clear and defined in who you are and in your purpose.
Connect With BWIM To Grow Your Network
Baptist Women in Ministry is here to help you build and increase your personal network. Below are some ways you can get connected:
Join a Community Peer Group
Connect with a State or Regional Group
Participate in a Book Club
Attend a BWIM Event
Schedule a meeting with Rev. Nikki Hardeman to confidentially discuss your search process.