Beginning the Journey
The time a church experiences without its Pastor can be wonderful. However, it also has the potential of being a very discouraging and divisive time. Often, the transition from one Pastor to the next is described as a process or journey. But, this time is necessary for the church to be prepared for a new leader and for new ministry opportunities.
Navigating the Transition
The Transitional Pastor Ministry can be a great asset for a church who is going through this interim leadership change. This process will guide and prepare the church for what God can do in the church body.
Get Training
Louisiana Baptists have trained men that can provide guidance for Pastor Search Committees through this process. More information can be obtained by calling us at 318.449.4292 or emailing Ray.Swift@LouisianaBaptists.org.
The following is an overview step guide that the training provides for a church search committee.
Pastor Search Committee Step Guideline
(This guide is not intended to be complete or exhaustive)
- Pastor Search Committee Elected by Church
- Constitution and By-laws
- Deacons notification/involvement
- Transitional Interim Ministry
- Committee Organization – 5 Anchors
- Pray Daily
- Profile Assimilation
- Process-Implementation
- Progress Updates
- Patience and More Patience
- Church Mission and Purpose: Who, What, Where, Why, How?
- Church and Community Survey
- Theology, Qualifications, Polity, Association, Denomination
- Gather, Solicit, and Study Resumes/Applications
- Prepare Pastoral Job Description, Policies, Benefits, Questionnaire
- Prioritize Candidate List
- Contact References, Discuss Information
- Contact Candidate, Meet with Candidate
- Present Candidate to Church
- Church Vote
- Pastor begins transition to new church
- Transition Team
For more information email Ray Swift, or call the Pastoral Leadership Team at 318.449.4292.
