Pastor Search Committee Toolkit

A research-based, comprehensive guide for small churches finding their next pastor. 42 pages covering every phase of the search process, from the pastor departure through the new pastor first 90 days.

Grounded in research on pastoral tenure, church health, and search committee best practices. Written specifically for small and rural churches without HR departments or denominational support staff.

What Is Inside (15 Sections)

• Introduction: Why This Search Matters — research on pastoral tenure and church health outcomes
• Section 1: The First Two Weeks — immediate actions, realistic timeline, what not to do
• Section 2: Forming the Search Committee — size, composition, roles, committee covenant
• Section 3: Church Self-Assessment — congregational survey, change readiness assessment
• Section 4: The Church Profile — what to include, writing tips, complete template
• Section 5: Finding Candidates — where to post, what to include, managing applications
• Section 6: Screening Resumes — criteria, scorecard, red flags, sermon evaluation
• Section 7: Theological Fit Assessment — when and how to ask theological questions
• Section 8: The Interview Process — phone screening, in-person interview, red flags
• Section 9: Reference and Background Checks — how to get the truth, questions to ask
• Section 10: The Candidating Weekend — planning, schedule template, congregational vote
• Section 11: Extending the Call — the call conversation, written offer letter
• Section 12: Compensation and Benefits — all components, housing allowance, worksheet
• Section 13: Onboarding the New Pastor — first 30 days, first 90 days, board responsibilities
• Section 14: The First Year — setting the foundation for long tenure
• Section 15: Master Checklists and Templates — complete phase-by-phase checklist, congregational update letter

Comparable resources from denominational publishers run 33-72 pages. This toolkit is designed specifically for small and rural churches and cites research from Lifeway Research, George Fox University, Bethel University, the Center for Healthy Churches, Baptist Press, and others.