Pastor Search Readiness Checklist for Small Churches

Before posting a role or inviting a candidate, a church needs a clear, honest, and workable search process. This free six-page workbook helps a board or search team turn that preparation into a set of documented decisions.

Use it to prepare

• Search authority, roles, confidentiality, and approval path
• An honest ministry and community profile
• Records, care, reference, compensation, and visit readiness
• A short meeting agenda and owner-based next steps

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.

Choose the next step

Use this checklist before publishing a role or inviting a candidate. When the team is ready for the full process from committee formation through interviews, references, the call, compensation, onboarding, and first-year follow-through, continue with the Pastor Search Committee Toolkit. When the transition needs careful congregation-wide updates, pair the process with the Pastoral Transition Communication Kit.