An essential tool every pastor should have is the ability to successfully interact with a pastor search committee.
Here are ten things you might want to consider when visiting with a search committee.

• 1. Culture
  • The power of culture should never be underestimated. Every church, to some degree, reflects the culture in which it is located. Oftentimes the personalities which comprise the search committee will reflect the culture of the church. Ask as many questions as necessary to determine the culture of the church.
• 2. History
  • Knowing where a church has been will help you understand where it is, why it is where it is and how you can formulate a strategy to get it where it needs to go. Don’t be afraid to investigate the church’s past, it will reveal more than you realize about their future.
• 3. Expectations
  • What is the church looking for in a pastor? Do they want someone who will maintain the status quo or someone who will lead them to the next level? Churches will often look for a new pastor who possesses the qualities they thought their last pastor lacked. If you go there expecting one thing and they are expecting another, you’re in for trouble. Know their expectations and know your own.
• 4. Previous pastors
  • Knowing how the last few pastors fared will give you an idea of how you will fare. Does the church have a history of loving or of mistreating its pastors? They will probably treat you like they have treated the last few pastors.
• 5. Theology
  • Do they believe the same things you believe? You can no longer take this for granted. Look at their church covenant and their doctrinal statement. Make sure you are theologically equally yoked.
• 6. Staff
  • Who hires and fires the staff? Who is responsible for them? If the pastor is responsible for them but does not have authority to dismiss them it could lead to problems. Make sure you read the bylaws and understand the church’s organizational structure.
• 7. Compensation
  • There is nothing wrong with discussing money, it simply needs to be done at the appropriate time. Normally they should be the first to broach the subject. When they ask you what you need, don’t sell yourself short. Don’t be greedy but do be honest.
• 8. Polity
  • What is their form of church governance? Is it something you can live with? Don’t go in thinking you will change it. Far too many pastors lack integrity in this area. Be up front about your preferences in polity.
• 9. Priorities
  • Are the church’s priorities aligned with yours? Are they aligned with God’s? Make sure you and the church have a passion for the same things. Mismatched priorities in any relationship always lead to conflict.
• 10. Vision
  • How does the committee view the church’s future? What do they think it will look like in five or ten years from now? Knowing this will help you understand where they are willing to be led and where they do not want to go.