Outline for Initial PNC Pastor Seeking Interview
Prior to the interview come to agreement on the type of experience, education, style of leadership you are looking for in candidates. Establish Spelling a rating process ahead of time.
Begin the interview by making introductions and opening with prayer.
Questions to consider when conducting an initial interview:
What gives you the most joy in ministry?
Our church/organization is hoping to see ____________________ (describe what you want to see happen). In what ways have you contributed to growth or change like this in the past?
Describe your leadership style and how church staff or a lay leader might describe it.
Describe a ministry situation that did not go as you had hoped and what you learn from that experience.
What would you like to ask us?
Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?
Invite the candidate to close in prayer. Let the candidate know when you will be in touch with them in the future.
Following the interview allow a few minutes for everyone to collect their thoughts. Decide if you wish to follow up with this candidate. If so, determine the next steps and agree on the timeframe. Send a note to the candidate thanking them for their time and letting them know what next steps and follow up look like for the PNC.
Possible next steps:
Listen to additional sermons noting questions for follow up
Speak to references
Look at candidates social media presence
Ask the candidate(s) to answer follow up questions
Pray for the candidates
Outline a Follow Up Interview
Aim to host initial interviews with pastoral candidates in an atmosphere where conversation flows with ease. (Thank you Louis Hansel for this image found on Unsplash)