Finding a Pulpit

Hey Brooks! Long time no see! Hope things are well with you, brother!

SALTCITY & Dr. Bob, thank you for the info. Brooks and I are sort of in the same boat, and I was just looking for about the same thing.

Everyone whines about the lack of willing pastors, but no one wants to give us "young upstarts" a try. Go figure!

In Christ,
Trotter

 

Most open churches seem to find their replacement pastors from someone who knows someone who is available. You should talk with your pastor and other pastors in your area, and let them know you are looking. Of course God's will is also a factor and you should be seeking his direction as well.

 

Honestly, if you can't find a church that needs a pastor you aren't looking very hard or your "standards" and/or "expectations" are too high. There are churches in every part of the country that need pastors

 

I have found that they want to pay 20k for a full time pastor who has 10 years experience and a masters or doctorate. The perfect candidate should be around 25 with 2 or 3 kids too. Many churches are setting unrealistic base requirements and are missing out on the man who God would have them "hire". Frustrating? YES. However I am beginning to believe that now is not the time for me to move on into a higher level in ministry. I will continue to serve where I am and continue to train and prepare for the next step when God opens the door.
However. I am beginning to see that my
in-law's are getting old and having a hard time getting around and doing things they need to do. I think perhaps we are meant to stay here for a while longer to help them with their home maintenance.

 

Go2church posted:
Honestly, if you can't find a church that needs a pastor you aren't looking very hard or your "standards" and/or "expectations" are too high. There are churches in every part of the country that need pastors

Yes, it is true that there are churches in every part of the country that need pastors, but very few of them want to take a chance on someone who is just starting out.

J_barner2000 posted:
I have found that they want to pay 20k for a full time pastor who has 10 years experience and a masters or doctorate. The perfect candidate should be around 25 with 2 or 3 kids too.

This, also, is very true. And while 20k may be plenty if a parsonage is offered (along with insurance), it is not enough to live on. It seems many churches take stock in the old adage, "You keep 'em humble, God, and we'll keep 'em poor."

Not that money is the decidiing factor. I am willing to go bivocational (in fact, I expect it, to start). But you still have to have a church that is willing to take on a first-time pastor...

In Christ,
Trotter

 

If you think it's hard to find a new church as a young guy starting out - just wait til you get to be over 50 and need to find one to finish in!

 

When we were looking for a pastor, we were looking for one that was taught by God, not man. Degrees aren't important. Neither is seminary studies. What matters is if you meet the qualifications in the Bible and how many times you have read the entire word of God. Then based on that your repoire with the people. You have Christ like character.

God knows where you belong and He will reveal it is His time. Meanwhile read your Bible and get to know the Lord.

 

Brooks, I think most people prefer to have a minister who is older than they are. Possibly you could begin looking for a church needing an associate pastor or a Minister to Youth or Senior Adults and begin your ministry that way!

Our interim pastor is older than ME! LOL I'll be 53 in a few weeks. Dr. George Barnett is late 50's and we're paying him $700. a week for preaching only on Sunday. You might also 'get your feet wet' and fluff up your resume by taking a long term interim position.

God Bless you in your search and lead you in his will! As Walls, said, better taught by God than by man. I've sat under a preacher who seemed to be 'Mama called' instead of God called and no amount of schooling can overcome that and that man is no longer preaching.

Diane

 

It seems to me anymore that establishing a pastor in a church is almost like a business deal. I'm not trying to sound funny, but are there any pastors that have agents to negotiate the perfect deal? Is there a signing bonus?

What has happened to the churches today? I was blown away when a co-worker mentioned looking at a minster's resume to see if he was a contender for pastorship. What? I wonder what the apostles would've thought of all of this. Would they have met the criteria that churches are looking for?

Your name is Peter.... your background is in commercial fishing, eh? Hmm.... we'll have to think about it...NEXT!

 

As sad as it seems, that is where they are headed.
I believe that an interim pastor should be a man who is highly experienced. Not that a man just starting in ministry is not qualified, but there may be some issues caused by the old pastor leaving.... Either he really trashed the church or they love him so much that the new pastor may not be trusted or cared for as much as he needs to be effective. An experienced man like say Dr. Bob or Jim 1999 would be a good transition man to help ease the change for the church and new minister.

I m looking at getting into some pulpet filling opportunities for the time being, while I await the Lord's good pleasure.

 

We're searching for a pastor after our beloved minister left to become a big title with the Oklahoma Gen. Baptist and have had HUNDREDS of resumes, tapes and videos sent in!

Diane

 

Just a thought. Does anyone know of a website that has postings of churches who are willing to take on a first-time pastor? It would help us starting out to know before hand whether or not we would even be considered...

In Christ,
Trotter

 

Here's one website I would use if I were looking.

PastorStaff Search

 

Hardsheller,

I've got that one, and have sent resumes to several (but have heard nothing from any as of yet). Thus far, I have only sent them by email (I suffer from a huge lack of time these days). But am looking forward to sending out some via snail mail soon (later today, I hope). There is a small church that I have seen, and have talked with a resident of the area, and it just might be desperate enough...and the fact that God seems to be singling it out to me.

Oh well. He has brought me this far, and I know He will take me on.

In Christ,
Trotter