LEAD PASTOR TRANSITION

A congregational survey has already been completed. The PST will work with a consultant utilizing the congregational survey and the PST input to develop a Senior Pastor Profile.  Using the Pastor Search Profile the PST will prepare a candidate questionnaire profile unique to Trinity Baptist Church that will help the team identify a pastor that matches our church’s needs and goals.This is where the description goes.

Once criteria has been established, we will begin seeking resumes from various sources including individual recommendations along with associations, state conventions, Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), seminaries, regional associations, etcetera. The PST will prepare an information packet describing our church and community to share with the candidates.

The PST members will individually review the candidate applications and resumes received, using the established criteria in Step 1. We will evaluate the candidate’s experience, education, qualities, and background against the criteria that has been established. The character and qualities established in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are non-negotiable for any candidate.

Some examples of what we may consider while we review resumes are:
●Does the candidate possess the skills and experience which will be needed in our unique setting?
●What vocational ministry, church volunteer, and secular experiences has the candidate had? Every life experience provides a valid and valuable training ground.

The selected candidates will receive the in-depth questionnaire developed in Step 1. Those who complete the questionnaire and whose qualities the team believes may be a good fit for our church will be scheduled for an interview by the committee.  The candidates will also be provided with the information packet prepared in Step 2.

Our team will conduct an initial interview using Zoom. This interview will help us evaluate communication skills, personality traits, and general attitude.  It will also allow us the opportunity to resolve questions not addressed on their resume.  Qualified candidates will be scheduled for an in-depth, in-person interview.  

 In-depth interviews will be conducted by the team.  If possible, an in-person interview is best; however, because of distance it is often necessary for this interview to be held online.
Some examples the PST may be looking to discover in the interview are:

• Family background
• Testimony of salvation and call to ministry
• Personal strengths and weaknesses
• Philosophy of ministry
• Priorities in ministry
• Theological stance on areas important to the church

The PST will call or write to references provided by the candidate and will seek secondary and tertiary references.  Because reputation in the community is also critical, we will do a credit and criminal background check on our top candidates.  

The PST will listen to candidate sermons online and by attending a worship service if possible.  The sermons will be evaluated using the criteria established in the pastor profile concerning biblical knowledge, doctrine, delivery, etc.
 

At this time, we will prayerfully narrow our focus to a single candidate.  Our team has agreed that a unanimous vote will be required at this step.

This step calls for an in-person interview with the candidate and his wife.  In this interview we will be discussing the following:

●Any question the candidate has about the church’s history, previous pastors, and current pastoral transition process.
●The church’s ministries, building needs and unique style.
●The church’s involvement in community, association, state convention and SBC activities.
●Review the pastor’s job description.
●Review the salary and support package.
●Discuss moving arrangements and housing.
We will include a tour of the church and the surrounding community for our candidate.

After prayerful consideration of all the information from the previous steps, if the Lord is leading us to proceed, the PST will make a recommendation of a single candidate to the congregation.  He and his family will be invited to come to Trinity in view of a call. He will be invited to a weekend with the congregation, meeting the people and preaching in a Sunday morning worship.
 
All arrangements for travel, lodging and meals will be paid for by the church. One week prior to the candidate’s arrival, church members will be provided detailed information about the candidate and his family.

*In view of a call is a term traditionally used to refer to a weekend event in which the pastor being called visits the calling church, meets the people of the congregation, and preaches in the worship services. A typical schedule begins with the candidate and his family arriving on a Friday.  Formal and informational meetings with various church groups will be scheduled on Saturday.  He will preach on Sunday morning, attend a churchwide lunch following the service, and participate in a question-and-answer time with the congregation.
 
The PST will clearly communicate to the church and candidate the time for the congregational vote to be taken to extend the call to the pastor.  Following the congregational vote, the PST Elders will inform the candidate of the church’s decision, and the church of the candidate’s response.

After the call has been issued and accepted, the PST will write a formal letter extending the call, summarizing salary and benefit arrangements, and listing any special agreements that have been made with the candidate. When the pastor moves to the community, an installation service will be held and the PST will continue for a period of months, as he transitions to his new position.