Featured What percentage would you accept to be called to a church?

I wear lots of hats - Christian, father, brother, friend, church worker, neighbor...

 

JJ2019 wrote:

>> A pastor search committee has asked me to come preach in view of a call. I plan to tell them yes, but I also plan to tell them that I must get at least a 95% vote from the congregation.

JJ2019, this is a gesture that makes you look humble. Go ahead, request that the percentage be upped to 95%. And may you have the job offered to you by Christmas!

 

I think that you area very wise to set a high percent in order to accept the call. I would not share my percent ahead of time with the committee. But men who go with a 70% vote, have 30% who don't want them there. I have always set a high percent, one time I needed a 100% vote and got it. Pray, pray, pray!

 

Hi JJ2019, thanks for your question.

First, if you feel led to require 95%, that is between you and the LORD.

I think many prospective Pastors receive the exact tally, and pray as to whether that indicates the Spirit's call to them for the church.

On a different issue, based on experience as a member of a search committee, you should get your working arrangement understood. Do you work for and report to the board and the board to the members, or do you report only to the members and you are the chairperson of the board.

I ask because of your phrase "leadership of a new pastor." Are they under the leadership of the board, or under your sense of God's leadership? Many differing relationships function to effectively carry out Christ's ministry, but in my opinion, everyone should sign on to the intended relationship going in.

 

Do you mean that anything "less" would be gray? Rather than anything "more?" The higher the percent the better the unity, I would think.

 

I can certainly relate to that, because I have a big head, too!

I like to wear baseball caps, but I have to have fitted hats, in a size 8.

And by the way, that's the largest size available to purchase at a specialty shop, or to order online.

 

You have to do what the Lord leads and trust Him with the results.

Let us know. Praying for you.

 

If the Holy Spirit was leading me to that Church the percentage wouldn't matter to me. If Holy Spirit wasn't, I wouldn't consider it.

 

I honestly would not care about the percentage. I would already know if God was calling me to that place or not. If I were to be accepted, by any percent, it would confirm that calling. If it was a low percent, I know I have work cut out for me at that church with solid biblical preaching and let the Spirit do the rest.