Comments on: How to Interview at a Church

By: Eric

Eric — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:31:14 +0000

I recently went through a three month interview process for a position with a church. I visited the church on several occasions and felt it was a good fit for my family. I got along with the staff so well that they were inviting me to hang out during the long interview process. Eventually, it came down to me and another guy, and it was at this point that the red flags started popping up. The church made promises from the start to reimburse me for traveling expenses, but I never received anything. Appointments were set for lunch with this pastor and dinner with that staff member, but they always fell through last minute. Then there was a period of absolutely no contact for two weeks, which was strange considering how smooth things had been going. I called and sent emails, but no response. This was the final red flag – I couldn’t uproot my family and move to a new community if I couldn’t trust the church. I sent an email to withdraw my name from consideration, and then they finally responded. They told me they had dismissed the other candidate only the day before receiving my withdrawal. They said they had planned to offer me the job. They apologized and told me that things had been put on hold due to “organizational and financial restructuring”. Unfortunately, I’ve met many irresponsible church leaders during my search. During your search, you need to interview your prospective supervisors as closely as they’re interviewing you.

By: Wellyboy

Wellyboy — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 04:15:24 +0000

Thanks guys for sharing. I will be going for a interview as a Youth Pastor. Your toughts and ideas are much appreciated.

By: Tre Lawrence

Tre Lawrence — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 01:12:20 +0000

“After reviewing the job description you’re not sure if Jesus could do the job.”

BIG RED FLAG!!! Very well put.

If our Savior does not qualify, you might want to prayerfully reconsider your options.

By: Tim Schmoyer

Tim Schmoyer — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:32:47 +0000

In my opinion, the most important thing for an interviewee to communicate is their vision for youth ministry. The most important thing for the interviewee to determine about the church is their values, both written and unwritten, and evaluating how they align with your own.

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:58:59 +0000

Some good stuff here. Thanks for sharing.

I would ask the question about the last youth guy leaving, but don’t expect that they will be honest. Instead, I ask, “If I am not doing well in two years, what will that look like?” Your more likely to get he real reason the last guy left.

You might ask the same in reverse to get an idea of their expectations. If I’m doing well…

I ALWAYS ask how long they are willing to wait to see changes. Most real change doesn’t happen the first year or even two.