Candidate Visit Weekend Planner for Small Churches

A candidate visit should help both the church and candidate listen clearly. This free six-page workbook gives one owner-based plan for a hospitable, truthful weekend without turning a visit into a performance.

Inside the planner

• Purpose, information boundaries, and an assigned point person
• Hospitality, travel, itinerary, and congregation-conversation preparation
• Structured feedback, candidate care, and a documented next step
• A debrief guide that protects confidentiality and appropriate process

This workbook is educational planning material, not legal, employment, tax, financial, counseling, or denominational advice. Apply your governing documents and seek qualified local guidance for decisions affecting people or employment.

Prepare for the full search process

This free visit planner covers one important moment. For the complete sequence from committee formation through candidate evaluation and onboarding, see the Pastor Search Committee Toolkit.

For transition communications that keep candidates and congregations informed without disclosing private personnel details, pair the visit planner with the Pastoral Transition Communication Kit.