Search committees and change

Churches of different denominations search for a pastor in different ways. In my denomination, most churches will form a Pastor Search Committee to search for a candidate to present to the church. In the search process there will normally be a number of interviews between the committee and the candidate. Obviously, each party is presenting their best side to the other, and this is where problems can occur.

Search committees often suggest, or state, that the church is ready for change, for growth, for finding new ways of doing ministry. Sometimes the committee is ready for those things, but that does not mean that the church wants this from their new pastor. The majority of the church may like things just as they are, and any attempt by the new pastor to change something will be met with fierce opposition. Also, it doesn't have to be a majority of the church opposing the change. In many smaller churches a vocal minority can stop almost any effort to do something new because their fellow church members are not willing to stand up to them. The new pastor is confused because the search committee assured him or her that the church was excited about change but every suggested change is immediately shot down.

A pastor called me today and asked if the search committee he was talking to was representative of the congregation. This is a good search committee, and they have assured this person that the church is seeking a pastor who can provide strong leadership that will lead to growth. Having worked with this committee I could tell him that I felt that this committee was reflective of the congregation, but that did not mean that everyone in the church would be accepting of change. However, I do believe this committee and others in the church will support him if he went about leading change in a positive and healthy manner.

Bivocational ministers, especially, should be careful when talking to search committees who insist the church is ready for change. These churches do not find change easy to accept, and the committee members may not truly reflect the mindset of the church. Smaller churches, who are most likely to call a bivocational minister, are known as family churches for a reason. Some of them do want to grow and realize that changes must occur for that to happen, but many of them are simply seeking a chaplain for their pastor. They want a family priest who will be there to minister to the needs of the congregation. If these churches are part of a denomination try to find out the name of the judicatory leader who works with them and talk to him or her about the church. Talk to other pastors in the area and ask the history of the church. Most importantly, pray about any ministry change you might be considering. Remember, no matter what the search committee tells you about the church's readiness for change, it will take longer than you would like to complete any change in the smaller church.