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Good Call: 10 Ways to Nail that Pastoral Search Interview

Good Call: 10 Ways to Nail that Pastoral Search Interview

Last updated on: June 24, 2015 at 1:51 pm by Erin Wathen

Good Call: 10 Ways to Nail that Pastoral Search Interview 2015-06-24T13:51:13-07:00 Erin Wathen

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It’s that time again. All over the country, exhausted pastoral search committees plow through another pile of profiles, fumble with the technology for another round of Skype interviews, and miss another week of family dinner times to make a series of reference-check phone calls. Meanwhile, pastors sit anxiously by the phone, like they are waiting for the daggone quarterback to call on a Friday night, just hoping for that next small sign of hope: “we are moving ahead in our selection process, and we’d like to talk to you again.”

Last spring, I wrote about things a pastoral search committee shouldn’t ask the candidate. Some of the questions are downright illegal; some are in poor taste; and others, while not exactly harmful, are a dramatic exercise in missing the point.

Since it’s that season again—when search teams double down their efforts in the hopes of securing a new pastor before the school/program year begins—we’ll continue the conversation: this time, for the pastors hoping to receive a new call.

Clearly, this is not an exhaustive list of do’s and don’ts. Every congregation is different; and I’ve only done this a few times, so I am by no means an expert. But I know enough pastors who have done this well, that I feel comfortable sharing a list of best practices. These basic guidelines will not only make a candidate appealing to a congregation; but will also help the pastor in his/her own discernment about whether a particular church would be a good fit. Because this long, arduous road goes two ways…

1. Avoid stock answers and the clichés I read a search and profile call once where the candidate, when asked about his long-term career goals, had stated “My only career goal is to someday hear my Lord and master say ‘well done, good and faithful servant.'” Well… that was a conversation stopper alright, but probably not in the way this guy intended. Seriously, a church wants to get to know YOU. Answers to personal questions should not sound like a Hallmark card or a bumper sticker; and answers to theological questions should not sound like a passage you memorized out of a text book. Be authentic. Be concise. Be original.

2. Know who you are as a pastor; and be prepared to articulate it in 200 words or less. You KNOW they are going to ask you about your strengths and gifts. You don’t have to talk extensively about either, but you should be able to speak specifically about both. It doesn’t make you conceited, it makes you confident and self aware. They will also ask about weaknesses, so be prepared to say a few words about that (note: do not say “My only weakness is that I work too hard and care too much!”) Do, though, leave your weakness on a positive note: “I am not the best at ____, but I’ve learned how to compensate for that by ____.” Or, “Sometimes I struggle to _____, but I know how to delegate/place the right people in that role.” Etc. And finally–beyond the surface gifts/strengths conversation, be prepared to discuss some relevant experiences and learnings from specific ministry settings. These folks only know where you’ve been on paper. They may not know anything about the kind of context you’re coming from, and how it shaped you for this new challenge. Tell them!

3. Find out what they understand the role of the pastor to be in their particular setting. There is not necessarily a right or wrong answer here… however, if you are in a room of 10 people and get 4 different answers, then that’s a problem… Meanwhile, knowing what they expect/desire will help you better answer the rest of their questions.

4. Don’t bring your baggage. I’m not talking about the stuff you had at the airport when they picked you up. I mean like, your spiritual/emotional baggage from what might have been painful or disappointing about your last call. You can be honest about it–in the simplest terms–but this is not a counseling session. And they are not your spiritual directors. Crying about the toxic personnel chair or the unfair family leave policy at your other church is like crying about your ex on a first date. Said date is NOT gonna call you again.

5. Don’t make assumptions. Just because they called you back for a second interview doesn’t mean it’s in the bag, so don’t make “When” or “Will” statements. (WHEN I get here/we WILL change…) Until votes are in and paperwork is signed, everything comes with an IF. But at the same time, remember that you are interviewing them, too. Take every opportunity to ask more questions. This reminds them that they also want to impress you.

6. Get a feel for the area. Not just the community, but for the larger Church that you will be a part of. Talk to colleagues who serve in the same conference/region/diocese and ask them what the leadership is like; what continuing ed or leadership development resources are available; how often clergy connect for support; etc. While they may not seem important early in the process, these are all things that could be a big part of your daily life in an actual call, and can really make or break your overall success and happiness. (It is also good to know about clergy groups and interfaith gatherings outside of your own denomination. Especially if your denomination is not strong in a particular area).

7. Ask open-ended questions about the identity, mission and values of the church. Not that you are listening for a particular answer; but you do want to gauge how well a committee can capture its congregational sense of self. If they don’t know or don’t have clear answers, that might be ok. To say “We don’t really have a strong sense of mission focus right now, and that is something you might be able to help us with,” then great. Yes, you probably CAN help them with that. But if you ask the question and they give you a blank “we’ve never thought about that before” stare… This might be a tough place to serve. Maybe run. Unless there is some otherwise compelling reason not to.

8. Look at the budget. Always, always ask to see the budget. Talk to colleagues or denominational leaders to learn about what is fair compensation for the area; look at the overall mission giving in relation to the total operating amount; and among other things, find out if giving is distributed among the members in a healthy way. A scary financial picture does not have to be a deal-breaker. Most churches, with good leadership and intentional planning, can greatly improve their fiscal health over time. Just know what you’re walking into, and make sure you’re equipped to deal.. and that they are prepared to LET you deal. (see #3). Furthermore, asking to see the numbers–and being prepared to discuss them–will give the committee confidence in your administrative leadership. And also show them that you aren’t afraid of the more difficult parts of ministry.

9. When in doubt…gather stories. At some point, they’ll be done asking questions, and they’ll say “now what else can we tell you about us?” Don’t miss that moment! Never say “no, I think everything I need to know is in your profile.” It never is. If nothing else–ask the committee members what THEY love about their church, or why they are committed to this ministry. This will tell you more about the congregation than anything they put in writing. Also, it says to them that you care about them as people and leaders, and not just as potential employers. Which, of course, you do.

10. Finally, go in with pink hair. Or an exposed tattoo or your favorite nose ring. Or crazy shoes. Or that one ugly tie your kids got you for Father’s day. Doesn’t matter what it is… But in addition to your professional/clerical attire, sport something that is uniquely you, that you might otherwise think twice about sharing on a first date. Let it fly. Because listen… if they don’t want you because of that thing, then you aren’t going to be happy there for long. You can only hide your own personal brand of crazy for so long. Best find out early if it’s going to fly in this new place.

Which is to say: Be you. Say what’s true. And trust the Spirit—if not the arduous, vague, never-ending process—to take care of the details. Peace. And good luck out there.

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