Candidating for Pastoral Ministry
One of the most significant things that my father ever said to me was, “When you come to candidate for a church, remember, the elders actually candidate for you.” This is something that every pastor, or aspiring pastor, should take to heart. Along these lines, Colin Adams–over at Unashamed Workman–has posted a list of questions that are extremely helpful, if only somewhat modified, for a man considering a call to a particular church. You can read it here.
I find it interesting that many of these questions should perhaps already be answered if the church was a member of a NAPARC denomination. You could simply read the appropriate books of church order and standards. I suppose you could ask if they follow the standards!
Sadly, we both know that being a member of a NAPARC denomination doesn’t mean pastoral integrity. There will always be a Diotrephes. Paul said that from among the elders of the church in Ephesus false teachers would arise.
I do agree with you, however, that being in a confessional denomination ought to alleviate some concerns!
Has one that has been there done that a few times, I noticed a few holes in the list. I would add:
1. How many ministers has the church had in the last 10 years? Why?
2. How long was the last minister there? Why?
3. May I speak to your last minister?
Leave your response!
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