Elect Thoughtful People to Serve on the PNC

Effective PNC's are honest. Which means it is vital that congregations elect thoughtful leaders who can answer questions like these:

  • In your experience, what are the best (and worst) things about this church?

  • In your opinion, what are the best (and worst) qualities about the former pastor?

  • What would you say are the most memorable qualities about other former pastors of this church?

  • Describe the nature of difficult conflicts in the history of the church.

  • Describe why the previous pastor left. What would he/she say was the greatest challenge in pastoring this church?

  • Describe the interim season of ministry at this church.

  • What portion of the church would you say is happy with the Mission Study? What demographic of the church is least happy with the findings in the Mission Study? Why?

  • How are staffing decisions made in the church? What positions have been recently hired? Which staff positions have made the most enduring impact on the life of this congregation?

  • If  the new pastor wanted to make a change in the worship/education/youth ministry, would that be easy or difficult? What would be the appropriate process to do so, in your opinion?

  • What is the most contentious congregational meeting or setting you can remember? What was the disagreement about? How was the issue settled?

  • Describe the relationship of this church with the Presbytery or other mid council body.

  • Has your church been in the news or done something noteworthy recently?