By Brent Lacy

Applying to a church without researching it first is like accepting a job offer without reading the job description. The information you need is available. You just have to know where to look.

Start With the Public Information

• The church website: What does it tell you about their theology, their programs, their culture? What does it not tell you? A church with a sparse, outdated website is communicating something about how they invest in communication.
• Social media: How active are they? What do they post? What does the engagement look like? A church with 200 members and 12 Facebook followers has a different culture than one with active, engaged social media.
• Google reviews: Read them. All of them. The negative ones are often the most informative.
• The community: Research the town. Population trends, economic health, school quality, distance to major services. This is where your family will live.

Ask Your Network

Do you know anyone who has served in this church, attended this church, or knows this church? Ask them. Pastors talk to each other. Your denominational network is a valuable source of information about specific congregations.

Ask your district superintendent, your association director, or trusted pastor peers: “What do you know about [church name]?” You may be surprised what you learn.

Research the Previous Pastors

Find out who the previous pastors were and how long they served. This information is often available on the church website, in old bulletins, or through your denominational network. A pattern of short tenures is a significant warning sign.

If possible, contact a previous pastor. Most will be honest with you about their experience if you approach them respectfully and confidentially.

Visit Before You Apply (If Possible)

If the church is within driving distance, consider attending a Sunday service before you apply. You will learn more in two hours of observation than in any amount of online research. Sit in the back. Watch how people interact. Listen to how the current leadership communicates. Pay attention to the energy in the room.

What You Cannot Know Until You Are There

Some things cannot be researched. The specific family dynamics that shape the congregation. The unresolved conflicts that are not visible from the outside. The real reason the previous pastor left. These things will emerge in the interview process if you ask the right questions. But they are worth knowing that you do not know them yet.

Researching the Previous Pastors

This is the most important research you can do. Find out who the previous pastors were and how long they served. This information is often available on the church website, in old bulletins, or through your denominational network.

A pattern of short tenures (multiple pastors serving 2-3 years each) is a significant warning sign. It suggests either a difficult congregation, a pattern of conflict, or a church that has unrealistic expectations of its pastors. Find out why they left before you apply.

If possible, contact a previous pastor. Most will be honest with you about their experience if you approach them respectfully and confidentially. Ask: “What did you learn about this church that you wish you had known before you accepted the call?”

Using Your Denominational Network

Your denominational network is one of the most valuable research tools available to you. Pastors talk to each other. District superintendents, association directors, and state convention leaders often know which churches are healthy and which are difficult.

Ask your denominational contacts: “What do you know about [church name]?” You may be surprised what you learn. This is not gossip. It is due diligence.

Visiting Before You Apply

If the church is within driving distance, consider attending a Sunday service before you apply. You will learn more in two hours of observation than in any amount of online research.

Sit in the back. Watch how people interact. Listen to how the current leadership communicates. Pay attention to the energy in the room. Notice who is there and who is not. Look at the facility. Is it well-maintained or neglected?

You do not need to identify yourself as a candidate. You are simply a visitor exploring a church. This is entirely appropriate and often very revealing.

Red Flags in Your Research

• Multiple short-tenured pastors in the last 10 years
• Negative reviews on Google or church directory sites that describe conflict or difficult leadership
• A church website that has not been updated in years (suggests low investment in communication)
• A community in significant economic decline with no clear path to stability
• A church that is reluctant to share basic information about their history or finances
• A search committee that pressures you for a quick decision

None of these are automatically disqualifying. But each one deserves a direct question and a satisfying answer before you proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main takeaway from this article?

The key principle from “How to Research a Church Before You Apply” is that faithfulness in small things matters. God uses ordinary people in ordinary places to accomplish extraordinary things.

How can I apply these principles in my church?

Start with one idea that resonates with your context. Share it with your leadership team, pray about it, and take one small step this week.

What if our church is too small for these ideas?

Size is not the determining factor. Faithfulness is. A small church that is intentional about ministry can have an impact far beyond its numbers.

Where can I learn more about this topic?

Explore the resources on MinistryPlace.net, consult with denominational leaders, and connect with other pastors navigating similar challenges.

What is the first step we should take?

Pray together as a leadership team. Ask God to show you the next faithful step, then take it.

Sources

1. Barna Group, “New Metrics for Measuring What Matters”
2. Lifeway Research, “5 Signs Your Church Is Ready for a Reset”
3. Church Leadership, “There Is No Such Thing as Church Revitalization”
4. Exponential, “Church Revitalization: 7 Innovative Models”

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a pastor search take?

Most small church searches take 6-18 months. Do not rush the process. A bad fit is far more expensive than a longer search.

What if we cannot afford a full-time pastor?

Consider bi-vocational, interim, or shared pastoral arrangements. Many small churches thrive with part-time pastoral leadership.

Where can we find candidates?

MinistryPlace Jobs is designed specifically for small and rural church pastor searches. Your denomination may also have a placement service.