Seminary Students Considering a Pastorate

Some times the best thing I have to say is, “Hey, you should really go listen to someone besides me.” Such is the case today.

On Monday I read a post by Matt Schmucker at the 9Marks blog on things that a pastoral candidate should ask of a church before taking the position. I know that we are hitting midterms and, for some of you, this is your last semester and you are already looking for a pastoral position. I think that if you are going to be taking a position in a church that is already established then Matt’s post will be extremely helpful for you.

Here’s a teaser:

If this is the flock God is calling you to shepherd, ignorance is not your friend….

1. Statement of Faith. Is it available, used, and understood? Can I affirm each section? Does the congregation live this out? Is it an adequate statement about Scripture, God, and salvation? Does it require anything that the Bible does not require of being a Christian, i.e. abstinence?

4. Budget. Does a budget exist (you’d be surprised!)? How is it formed? Does the congregation vote to accept the budget? A church’s budget will tell you a lot about the vision and priorities (i.e. heart) of a church.

11. Membership. How many members are in the church? How many attend? Do they have an inactive list? What’s their understanding of membership? Do they live close to each other and to the church building?

15. Ambitions. Ask this question: If you could be like any church in America, which would it be?

18. Living as a pastor. Maybe you don’t take these issues on in the first interview, but eventually they need to be addressed:

(ohhhh… I left you hanging there… click the article to find out the rest)