Pastor evaluation, anyone?

Why do they want to do this now after two years? Is there a problem or is someone trying to stir up trouble for the man? Sounds fishy to me.

Joseph Botwinick

 

I would be curious to know the purpose of the evaluation.

If the pastor is wanting it done to gain feedback on things then it might be helpful.

However, many times disgruntled people in the church try things like this to stir up trouble for the pastor.

 

That's long enough for some tensions to begin to show up. Water under the bridge .. but it would have been good to have had an expectation and a process in place for an annual evaluation. And it needs to be clear that this is not to be a fishing expedition for flaws, but a process designed to help a good person do even better.

But that is all theoretical. I am concerned about the suggestion that it be done by senior members; that suggests that he may be perceived as having tilted toward new people. I served a church in which new people were not valued very much, although I did all I could to make sure they were "up front" as much as possible.

The pastor might seize the initiative by designing the process by which he wants to be evaluated. The Alban Institute here in Washington has some excellent resources for that.

 

I would be scared to death.

 

The latter is what we should strive for, but the former is reality. (As long as "tolerance" does not include endorsing sin, as so many people apply it.)

 

Many years ago, we were in a church that had a 3 year vote on the Pastor, i.e. he had to be re-elected for another three years. It never really worked because each pastor that came while we were there, would try to change it, split the church, and would have to leave.

I think an anomynous suggestion box for the pastor's eyes only might be beneficial in any church.

piaairline, I am afrid your church is headed for big problems. The beneficial box is too late for your church.

 

A pastoral evaluation does not have a place within a church... at least not in the fashion you have said.

I know of a church in my area that has a three-year "vote of confidence" on every pastor. Needless to say, no pastor gets to stay for more than the three years.

Every man of God is different, and sees things differently that the former pastor. Plus, change is hard and usually painful... but most members forget that and blames the new pastor.

In Christ,
Trotter

 

I don't believe the anyone from the congregation would have any business evaluating the pastor besides leadership in the Church, i.e. Elders.

 

The Bible says that the righteous fall seven times and rise again. Show me a perfect church and I will ruin it when I come.

 

I am all for the questionnaire... IF the missionaries supported by the church get to write it.

TIC!

 

Sounds like the sheep are ready to stampeed!!! Last I checked, though, its the Shepherd who sheers the Sheep---not the other way around!!

Blackbird

 

Looks like those disgruntled senior members are fixing the vote with their qualifications on who can vote. Either church wide or not at all.
But I also think it is to cause trouble, and it most definitely will cause trouble. I also think the suggestion box isn't going to help, those who like and support him will say so openly, only those who will not openly say negative things to him will put anything in the suggestion box, it will most definitely discourage him.
These people need to get real, and get over it. We are supose to work toward a life of less and less sin, I think thats their problem, getting their toes stepped on.

 

EVERYBODY needs to be evaluated.
EVERYBODY needs accountability.

...but having the whole church grumble about their pastor during the process is wrong.
Here is where multiple pastors (or elders) fit in.
They should be doing the evaluation.
AND it should be done on a regular and scheduled basis (and kept private).

Evaluations are not designed to tear down a person but to point out areas that need improvement; we all have them.

Rob

 

EVERYBODY needs to be evaluated. Yes, but BY WHOM?
EVERYBODY needs accountability. Yes, but TO WHOM?

Romans 14:10-13
1 Cor. 4:1-5
1 Cor. 11:28,31

And IF there is evaluations to be done, WHO should do them? 1 Cor. 6:4

And furthermore- James 4:11,12

 

I have a problem with the duality--"members" and "senior members." I don't want to serve in a church where your importance is directly proportional to your longetivity.

I don't put stock in anonymous complaints. We throw them away here. The only anonymous stuff we're willing to look at are our 1st-time visitor postcards we send to all (duh) 1st-time visitors.

 

I think I answered it in my post: the elders.
1 TIMOTHY 5

Rob