Tag: ministry

Make Every Effort

If you have never been a part of its atmosphere, you might not recognize its absence. If that is the case, I pray for your sanity.

If you have overlooked this teaching of the Bible, you could be causing devastating consequences.

It’s a little word containing only five letters. What is it? UNiTY!

With it in our presence, we can make wonderful progress towards good growth. Without it, such progress can come to a screeching halt.

That is why the Apostle Paul raises this call in his letter to the Church at Ephesus. In fact, the fourth chapter begins with an urging, a “beseeching” if you will. There is an intense word used here as he directly says that believers should walk worthy of the calling of God. With some beautiful adjectives, he describes what walking this way looks like. It has the appearance of humility and gentleness, with longsuffering (or patience) and bearing with one another in love.

Why is such a walk necessary? It is for the sake of UNiTY. This worthy walk that the Apostle is urging the Ephesian believers toward is an indication that they are “endeavoring to keep the UNiTY of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:3).

Christian, you need to add this walk to your talk. This UNiTY is needed in your local church as well. Hearty shouts of “amens” and subtle wishes that someone else would really “get it” are not enough.

You must want it so intensely that you will go to the altar and then alter your walk. Act like the servant that you have been called to be.

That means you forgive those offenses and quit carrying that grudge, knowing that everyone else is just as imperfect as you are.
It means that regardless of how spiritually gifted you are, you will walk in the humility that you are not better than others.
That means that you will treat others as gently as you’d like to be treated, watching your tone of voice and body language to ensure love is being shown.

Such a walk shows Christ, the Head of the Church that you are eager to maintain the UNiTY that strengthens the bond of peace. Such a walk is simply cooperating with the Spirit.

Make every effort to keep the UNiTY. It’s worth the work (tweet this). And if you do it with the right motive, you will have the help of the Holy Spirit.

Why should you put forth such effort? Because God’s Word just told you to do it. And when we “dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1), the Holy Spirit comes upon His people as “precious ointment.”

Make no mistake, offenses and conflicts will come. They show up regardless of how spiritually minded you are. That’s when “make every effort” goes to work.

Pastors, teachers, deacons, elders, and staff members regardless of a title should consider themselves as personally responsible to make every effort toward unity. Set the pace and lead by example.

You will have to be on purpose about it. UNiTY is not the result of just going with the flow (click to tweet). Following the path of least resistance is what makes people and rivers crooked.

The local church does not simply drift to success. You must make every effort to acquire and maintain UNiTY.

What do you need to do differently this week to maintain UNiTY in your local church?

Written by William Strickland. Pastor of Harvest Christian Center in Cantonment, FL. Husband to Lisa and father to three kids. To read more of Williams’s work, take a look at his blog and be sure to follow him on social media.

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What’s the Word Wednesday

“Your kindness might not move others – or even matter to them at all – but it’s still worth extending. It’s never a waste. The Lord himself receives it and treasures it as precious because it is a reflection of his own unilateral love for centers.”

– Jared C Wilson, Professor at Spurgeon College

One thing that we have seen all over the world is that kindness is prevailing in uncertain times. People are coming together in the most unusual ways. Amid the fear that we see all over social media and the news, there has been a definite outpouring of community, love and support. Do something random – show kindness in unusual ways. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in awhile.

Donate to a charity. Arrange to have a video lunch with a co-worker. Offer support to your neighbors. It will help to try and see this as a different period of time in your life, and not necessarily a bad one. There are still lots of things that we can do for other people to inspire kindness in unforeseen times.

What are ways you have shown kindness to others?

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7 Essential Guidelines for Pastors Entering a New Pastorate

As sure as there is a right way to leave your pastorate, there is an excellent way for you to enter a new pastorate. Dare I tread into this highly opinionated subject? Somebody needs to go there. Right?

The proper way to enter a new pastorate begins with leaving your former pastorate correctly. Read about “the right way to leave” here. If you did not exit with the right motives, you are destined for a rough landing.

Deal with any unresolved issues before you move forward (read “How Not to Leave Your Pastorate” here). If you left the last church because you were running away from problems, they will catch up with you. You will find another set of similar issues in your near future. Difficulties in ministry cannot be avoided. Therefore, deal with them as they arise and learn all you can from them. This will help you and the congregation maintain spiritual health.

Assuming now that you left the last place with the proper motives and according to God’s timing, you are ready to move forward. You are spiritually healthy and prepared for the next assignment. Right?

**What is your modus operandi?**

Is this your second, third, or fourth pastorate? Have you learned anything about proper transitions?

Every church is different. Every pastor is different.

Some churches want no change, regardless of what they told you during the candidating process. Some new pastors wish to change everything as soon as they arrive. Both extremes should be avoided to the uttermost.

Here’s my reality. No one can provide a proven strategy, guaranteed to work with every pastor and church match-up (tweet this). Each process needs to be customized by how the Spirit of God is leading that particular transition.

Nevertheless, I can share some thoughts to serve as guidelines. Use these to develop your entering strategy and the rate at which you facilitate change.

You are not the only player in this drama.
There are lay leaders and staff members for which this transition is tricky too. Give them some Christ-like tender loving care.
You will have an immediate request for a brief meeting from a handful of folks in your first few weeks.
Be careful with this interaction. Some want to tell you that they campaigned for you to be their pastor. Some are not mature and seek to manipulate you. Some are power players that want to set you straight. Proceed with caution. Love the people and pray for them but do not cave into premature pressure for unclear agendas.
You should not make any promises that would bind your future.
For example, upon entering the pastorate, you could say, “I won’t be making any changes for six months.” That’s a vow you shouldn’t make. Change is a part of this transitional process. There is no need to smother what could be God’s will.
You should know that both assumptions and presumptions can be dangerous.
Some congregations assume their new pastor has taken the time to research their history and knows the obstacles that tripped former pastors. Some new pastors like to presume this adage; “it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission.” Both can lead to early troubles.
Your beginning title is, pastor, but you are not really in charge.
This means you are not the church’s chief decision-maker. Most congregations of less than one hundred will not trust you to be that person for a few years. In the eyes of the most influential in the congregation, you are the preacher and the family chaplain. That’s not ideal, but your role can evolve and improve with tenure.
You need to build relationships with the key people of your congregation.
Who makes up this group will vary depending on the congregational size. Board members and staff members are where you should begin. Listen, learn, and befriend them. You will find it much easier to lead your congregation and reach your community with a group of friends than with a group of adversaries.
You should get to know the outgoing pastor, if possible.
You might not become best friends, but it could be a beneficial relationship. Don’t assume your predecessor was a know-nothing hireling. There was likely some sound reasoning behind most of what you’re walking into. Don’t feel threatened by your predecessor’s insights.

On the way to getting established, I would advise you to ask questions. Ask lots of them.

Therefore, I must ask you, what have I left out of this list? What else would you add to these guidelines? Join the conversation, leave a comment, and let’s pray for pastors and churches in transition.

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Pastor Appreciation Ideas: Over 50 Creative Ways to Bless Your Pastor and Staff

The #BlessYourPastor movement was started to provide free grant-funded materials to Christians, church boards and congregations to help them creatively show and share God’s love with their pastor and church staff. There is a great need for an outpouring of personal care and support, since most pastors and church staff faithfully serve and love their congregations while often facing real financial struggles.

Research by the National Association of Evangelicals shows that many pastors are operating with limited financial resources to meet their families’ current and long-term needs. Fortunately, God is bigger than church paychecks and has many ways he can provide for his shepherds and workers through the generosity of God’s faithful people.

1 Thessalonians 5:12 calls Christians to show their deep appreciation to those who minister to them. Galatians 6:6 says people are to share all good things with the one who teaches them. So, the Bless Your Pastor movement invites church leaders and Christians to intentionally show and share God’s love for their pastors and staff members.

Here is a list of over 50 creative ideas for how you and others can Bless Your Pastor and staff.

Faithfully Pray

The best way to help your pastor and staff is to faithfully and regularly pray for blessings for them. Some ideas for specific blessings include praying for: • Intimacy with God • Marital love and unity • Spiritual protection • Divine guidance • Emotional and physical well-being • Parenting skills • Genuine friendships • Financial provisions • Daily wisdom • Personal encouragement • Helpful mentors • Effective ministry • Time management • Quality study and prayer times • Helpful training, courses and books • Leadership skills

Fondness

Let the pastor and staff know how God is specifically using them to bless, help and teach you to follow God. Remember their birthdays and anniversaries with a card, gift or social media post. Show appreciation for their strengths and give grace in their weaknesses.

Freedom

Give their spouses the freedom to be themselves and to find their own niches at the church. Let their children “be kids,” care about them, and pray for them.

Food, Fellowship & Fun

Prepare meals or baked goods for them (ask about favorite meals or certain foods to avoid). • Give them a gift card for groceries, restaurants, gas, fast food or coffee shops. • Give them food from your garden, orchard, hunting or fishing trips. • Invite them to your home or a restaurant for a meal. • Invite them or their family members to go fishing, sailing, camping, hunting, to the gym, concerts, plays or sporting events.

Offer to cover some or all of the costs. • Offer them sports, concert or event tickets. • If you have a vacation home, timeshare, recreational vehicle or camping gear, offer to let them use it. • Share frequent flyer miles that can be used for conferences, vacation, mission trips or holiday travel. • Offer them the use of your dependable vehicle, SUV or minivan for a holiday family trip or vacation.

Freely Share

Share your skills and time to help with any of the following items: • Babysitting • Auto maintenance and repair • Home repairs, maintenance and projects • Decorating, painting and wallpapering • Haircuts and beauty treatments • Medical, dental and chiropractic care • Lawn and garden upkeep • Legal, estate and financial services • Tutoring or lessons for children

If needed, communicate in advance if there are any out-of-pocket costs they will need to cover (e.g., parts for a car repair or materials for home repair).

Finances

Faithfully give to your church, so your pastor and church staff can be properly compensated. Beyond the church salary, the Lord may prompt certain individuals to provide personal funding to help with any of the following items: • Bless Your Pastor and Staff Appreciation Offering • Marriage conference or retreat costs • Christian camp fees • Back to school fees, clothing or supplies •

Children’s school tuition or contributions to 529 College Savings Plans • Mission trips • Lessons or tutoring • Family or couple’s vacation or getaway • Pastor’s conference, seminar or training • Seminary courses or sabbatical • Student loan debt • Retirement savings • Medical expenses

Pay It Forward

Most people have heard about “paying it forward.” Do you know you can also pay it forward by passing along possessions you no longer use or need? Possible items could include appliances, furniture, musical equipment, clothing, sports equipment or electronics. Ask if the items you may have available are actually needed and wanted by your pastor or staff families. Also, be sure they are in good condition and will not need costly repairs.

Note: Please be prepared to graciously allow your pastor or staff member to decline anything that you offer. Also note that most items mentioned here are not normally tax-deductible to the giver but are to be given out of gratefulness to God for what he has given to you.

For free PDF copies of this “50 Ways” list and a grant-funded 7-minute Bless Your Pastor training video and toolkit for church boards, visit BlessYourPastor.org.

Written by Brian Kluth. Brian is the national director of NAEfinancialhealth.org and spokesperson for the BlessYourPastor.org movement. Article was taking from Church Executive.

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What’s the Word Wednesday

“Such difficult days and yet God is doing so much in it. It shouldn’t surprise us. We see it through the Scriptures. God is at work in this mess.”

– Matt Chandler, Lead Pastor at Village Church

These days are some of the most unusual days that we have ever lived through. The increase in the Covid numbers, the lack of interaction in our daily live… it can feel so overwhelming at times. It can even feel that God is absent. The good news is that He is not. He is walking this journey with us! Use this time to rest. Rather than lamenting over our current disruptions, use this opportunity to rest. Refocus on what’s important. Spend time with family. Take care of yourself and your mental health. Spend time with God. He is at work!

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Balance is A Dirty Word: 4 Reasons Ministry Leaders Should Stop Striving for Balance

Ministry is tough work. It is demanding of our time, energy, and presence. The reality of stress and burnout is always there. One of my favorite lines that I have ever written is this: “Those who work in ministry walk a fine line between being motivated by our mission and being overwhelmed by it.”

Many smart people write and speak about the need for ministry leaders to find balance in their lives. Balance your ministry, family, and personal responsibilities, and you will succeed! I’ve read several books and articles and listened to many seminar speakers address this topic. They are well-intentioned and do point out the many dangers of living an unbalanced life. Here’s the deal – I think they are wrong. They get the problem right – stress and anxiety. However, their prescription of balance to solve what ails you is wrong – and could be harmful.

I am not fond of the word balance. Here’s why:

Four Reasons You Should Stop Striving for Balance

1. Balance is nearly impossible to achieve

Balance is like a unicorn. You can spend a lot of time and energy searching for it but never find it. Two weeks ago I looked at my calendar and realized that I had a ministry-related meeting or event 7 nights in a row (including the weekend). I knew that this would be stressful and I wouldn’t be spending much time with my family – I would be out of balance.

I looked to see if I could get out of some of the meetings. Nope. I was leading 6 of them! Ugh. It was a busy week. If you work in ministry, you know what I know – finding the zen-like state of balance and staying there is nearly impossible. There are busy seasons in ministry that demand more of you.

You can attempt to implement more balance in your life, but you are unlikely to achieve balance.

You will always be neglecting something. I cannot think of a time when all of my work, family, and personal responsibilities have been balanced. Balance is not realistic. It is not attainable.

2. Seeking balance causes stress.

Think of a tight rope walker at a circus. They are balanced as they carefully walk the rope. One step at a time, carefully placing one foot in front of the other. There is a reason they always look nervous and tense – one little slip-up, their balance is ruined, and they fall. Who wants to live their life like that? In order to achieve and stay in balance, you are always walking a tight rope.

One thing goes wrong, one unexpected event occurs, and your state of balance crashes. Those who focus on achieving balance live in a constant state of stress, worrying that something will go wrong to upset that balance. Balance promises less stress in your life, but by its’ nature, balance is stressful.

3. Your ministry will suffer.

You know that there are times when you will have to give more to your work, and you will feel unbalanced. If you are trying to attain balance, there will always be a low-grade tension aimed at your ministry for keeping your life out of balance. This tension will eventually turn into resentment. You will blame your ministry for your unbalanced life. Live like this for a while, and you will flame out. If balance is your goal, you won’t be leading your ministry from a strong foundation.

4. Your family will suffer.

Balance naturally pits one thing versus another. If you are walking a tight rope, it is the weight on your right side versus the weight on your left side. Trying to balance your weight and diet? It is calories in versus calories out. If you are a ministry leader trying to achieve balance it is often ministry versus family. Balance sets up an either/or scenario.

Either things are perfectly in balance, or you are favoring one at the expense of the other.

Either your family wins, or your ministry wins.

There are almost always more family and work demands than we have the energy for, so in reality, neither wins! Don’t intentionally pit your work against your family for the sake of balance. Neither will win. You will lose.

Balance is an awful goal. It is a worse strategy for ministry leaders because it ends up causing the problems it intends to solve.

Balance is not the solution. RHYTHM is. I’ll write about that another time.

Bryan Blackford works with ministry leaders to help their ministries grow. He walks with ministries through a planning process and resources ministry leaders, so they are equipped to lead well. Bryan serves as an Executive Director at a large church, so he gets ministry and the everyday struggles of ministry leaders. Check out his resources at blackfordsolutions.org

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10 Characteristics Of An Amazing Leadership Team

Last night I walked out of the room shaking my head.

God, I don’t know how you pulled this off, but this team is simply amazing.

Unified. Visionary. Encouraging. Fun. Passionate. Gifted. Transparent. Gracious. These are just a few of the words I’d use to describe the people who faithfully serve on CCV’s Leadership Team.

Your church may use a different name – Leadership Council, Governing Board, etc. – we simply use the phrase “Leadership Team” to describe the group of people called to serve the function of what the Bible calls “Elders.”

Whatever you call them, my prayer is your group is as gifted and passionate as the volunteer servant leaders I have the privilege of serving alongside. I tell Senior Pastors that I coach that every church ought to know the joy of being led well.

[Tweet “Every church ought to know the joy of being led well.”]

Since these kinds of things rarely happen by accident, I’d like to share with you 10 reasons why I think this team is such a special group.

I’m not the smartest person in the room.
I’m not the best leader in the room.
I’m not the most committed Christian in the room.
I’m not the oldest person in the room.
Everyone knows how to humbly submit to each other.
Nobody is afraid to speak the truth, in love.
When they ask me to jump, I might stop to ask, “How high?”
We have each other’s backs.
We hold our tongues in meetings and only speak to something when we are 100% sure we have something of value to add. I speak fewer words in those meetings than anyone in the room.
We tremble at the realization that God is actually leading His local church here in Philly through us, and therefore, are sober-minded in our task.

I’m sure the same thing could be said about your Leadership Team. If not, how these leaders act and serve would be good things to emulate.

What are other qualities you’d add to the list to make an amazing Leadership Team?

Written by Brian Jones, Senior Pastor at Christ Church of the Valley. – to find out more about Brain, click here!

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5 Apps to Increase Productivity

Technology has quickly infiltrated our society as both a blessing and a curse. Our fingers, hands, and even our voices are capable of doing a wide array of things. These pocket personal assistants are great when used properly and efficiently. On the contrary, these devices can get us into trouble and decrease our productivity rather quickly. A “quick” look at our Facebook notifications can quickly turn into an hour of watching random videos that end up wasting our time. They may be fun in the moment, but our productivity suffers greatly.

Even though these smart devices have been around for over a decade, we are still in a stage of infancy. Technology is rapidly advancing at a pace that causes us to jump past the training wheel stage. Content Creators are strategizing and planning so that they can control your precious time. Our time is precious and we must figure out how to redeem our time. The plans of a pastor can quickly change with a phone call or text from a church member with a need that warrants our immediate attention. Our time must be used efficiently and effectively so that we are ready to ride those unplanned waves. These five apps (listed by category) will increase your productivity and help you take control of your day in the office and on the road.

Time Management: Screen Time

Screen Time is an under the radar app that takes some digging to access. Screen time should be easily accessible and hopefully one day will. For now, you will have to rely on going through your settings or possibly a widget. The day I found screen time, was the day that I began taking control back of how I used my phone, rather than it using me. Weekly notifications that indicate how much I used my phone quickly gave me a desire to reduce that number. I still end up using my phone a ton, but the little things that matter less, cause less distraction because I am weekly aware of how I spend my time. Having a grasp on your usage will enable you to be more productive. Setting app limits or denying access to certain apps at various times of the day will reduce distraction and induce productivity.

Graphic Design: Canva/Over

Not everyone will have a need for making graphics. As a Youth Pastor, I make them all the time. There are many free apps that enable you to create quality graphics on the go or in the office. Inspiration often comes when it is least expected. The ability to quickly create a graphic allows me to free up time later. Canva and Over both are easy to learn and both have access to a desktop version (for those moments of creating in the office or without access to a smartphone). Many free apps require a purchase to remove a watermark. These are two that do not. Note: Churches can acquire Canva premium for free as a nonprofit. Note: The Over desktop version is still quite new.

Bible Study: Logos

Okay, the Logos app is not as powerful as the desktop version, yet it still packs a punch. This app does enable you to increase productivity though. I like to regularly review my sermon or lesson notes. While you cannot make additional sermon notes using the sermon editor on the app (I hope this changes one day), you can review and make Bible highlights that will later be reflected on the desktop via the cloud. It is great being able to have access to the prayer list anywhere you go. Reading commentaries or other books on the go can increase your productivity. It is much easier to pull out your phone or tablet to catch up on reading instead of lugging around your computer. Logos comes with a steep price; however, many are not aware of the limited and cheaper options that are provided by Logos. Faithlife offers a rental option (https://connect.faithlife.com/pricing) that includes some library options and some of the Logos features that are only available to Logos owners. You will not own Logos if you use this and cancel, but it may be a beneficial route for you to take to test out Logos Bible Software.

File Management: Files, Google Drive, etc.

I do not upload all of my files to a cloud, but I do upload ones that people will likely ask for when I am on the go. The ability to quickly forward a link via the cloud will make you more productive. Prior to doing this, I would have to send myself an e-mail or set a reminder. Doing that is not that difficult, but it takes processing time as you have to determine the best time for the reminder, etc. Some of these tasks can efficiently be executed by using an online storage system that you can access via an app. I use up to six devices on a given week. Knowing that I can access important documents and projects on any of these devices enable me to be more productive.

Member Management: Planning Center People

You are highly unlikely to carry around your printed church directory with you wherever you go. You are likely to take your phone. Some churches have directories built into their website and some use third party software for the church member database. The Planning Center Suite offers subscription based software for most of their platform. However, they offer Planning Center People for free. You can import your database and have access to church members on the go. From the app, you can quickly get directions to a home, or quickly call them as needs arise. Your productivity is increased when you reduce the steps required to complete a task. As an added bonus, you can create workflows from this app to track visitors or new member progress.

There are likely better apps out there to complete these tasks. However, I have found that these apps increase my productivity. Find apps that work for you! Declutter your apps, reduce your screen time, and use your phone to complete tasks instead of allowing your phone to control your precious time.

What apps would you add to this list? What are some boundaries that you set to reduce screen time?

Written by Justin Beville. Justin has been married to Amanda Beville for over six years and has one son named Luke and twin boys on the way! He received his Bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies with a minor in Student Ministry from the College at Southeastern. Justin went on to complete his Advanced MDiv. at Southeastern. He currently serves as the Pastor of Students and Outreach at Kingsland Baptist Church. Like this article? Read more from Justin here!

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3 Quick Confessions from My Christian Journey

You’ll never guess what I’m about to confess. There’s no need to try. I’m about to tell you.

Perhaps you usually think of the word confess like this: “confess your faults one to another” that you may be healed (James 5:16). But that’s not where I’m going with this devotional word.

I’m using the word, confess in more of a positive way to declare faith and adherence to scriptural principles. These quick confessions are designed to give evidence and admit to repeated attempts at doing right.

I encourage you to make these your own and expand this list.

1. Confessions of a frequent giver

It’s been my life pursuit to give more than I get. However, I’m finding it difficult to out-give the generosity of our gracious God. Proverbs 28:27 tells us “He that gives to the poor will not lack…”

It’s not what you’d do with a million dollars if a million were your lot; it’s what you’re going to do with the dollar that you’ve got. Jesus says “Give, and it will be given to you…” (see Luke 6:38).

2. Confessions of a frequent thinker

When you were saved, God captured your mind. Satan wants it back. Romans 12: 2 teaches us to not be “conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

As a man thinks in his heart, so is he (see Proverbs 23:7). So what should you be thinking? Scripture counsels: “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy” – think on these things (Philippians 4:8)!

3. Confessions of a frequent kneeler

The altar is not a place of disgrace. It’s a place of added grace. Hebrews 4:16 encourages: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Really, it’s quite simple. If you need more grace, you seek His face. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15).

Confessions, confessions – God wants to hear them all. If you have some negative ones that you need to make, God has made provision for your forgiveness through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. If you have positive ones that give Him praise, He is worthy of that too!

Do you have any positive confessions of faith that you’d like to share publicly? Are these three confessions a part of your Christian journey?

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12 Interview Tips for Youth Pastors

This is it! You’ve been working with a youth-ministry goal in mind, and you’re about ready to go in for your first interview—but how do you prepare?!

Don’t freak out. We’ve got you covered with 12 tips that will help you nail that interview.

1. Do your research

The church is not just looking for a rock star youth pastor. They’re looking for someone that can be an asset to their team. Their main concerns are finding a candidate who will fit with their culture and fulfill their mission and vision.

If you’re able to convince them that you’re that person, the job’s yours. Adversely, if you go in knowing nothing about them and simply talk about yourself, you’re likely going to miss out on this opportunity.

So make sure you:

Scour the church website paying particular attention to their goals and mission.
If possible, visit the church on a Sunday morning.
Read up on the senior leadership. Check out their social media feeds.
Discover what you can about the church’s history.
Read this list of interview questions for youth pastor candidates, and prepare for each one.

2. Don’t overdo spiritual talk

While you definitely want to confirm your calling and show that you have a legitimate relationship with Christ, you don’t want to come in with your spiritual guns blazing.

They’re trying to get to know you, and stacking the conversation with too much spiritually charged language actually makes their job harder. It might feel like it helps you, but your interviewer will feel like they didn’t get to know you—and you might even come across as flaky.

3. Get your testimony under 2 minutes

It’s likely that the interviewer will want to hear how you came to know Jesus, so be prepared. If you’re not prepared, you’re probably going to ramble. You don’t want to do that. Practice your testimony until it’s a tight two minutes.

4. Turn your ringer off

Having your phone ring or alert you to notifications during an interview probably won’t ruin everything, but it’s definitely not going help. Nothing’s more awkward than that moment when you have to apologize and sheepishly remove your phone from your pocket in order to mute it.

It’s best to do it ahead of time.

5. Communicate your understanding of youth issues

You know that youth work isn’t all about pizza parties and shut ins. It’s about helping kids negotiate their way through the cultural minefield. Be prepared to communicate the major issues facing teens today.

The key here is not to simply focus on the obvious national issues that anyone could come up with off the top of their head, but to be able to also articulate local needs and concerns.

6. Have a plan to grow the youth group

Remember, you’re not simply selling your experiences and successes. You’re working to convince your interviewer that you’re the best candidate for the job. By coming in prepared with a plan to grow their youth group, you’re:

Communicating your preparedness and attention to detail
Addressing a specific concern for the church
Demonstrating that you understand how to grow your group

7. Be honest about your goals

There’s a strong pull to share the things you think your interviewer wants to hear. That means that you might be tempted to hedge on certain questions. For instance, if they ask you what your five-year goals are, you might be worried about telling them that you plan to be pastoring your own church by then.

It’s in everybody’s best interest to be honest. If you’re thinking about taking a youth working job as a stop-gap measure, the church deserves to factor that into their decision. And your honesty might even open up job opportunities in this church that you weren’t aware of.

8. Demonstrate that you understand the big picture

I know that you’re interviewing for a youth worker position, but you can’t allow yourself to be that myopic. The church is a community and by ministering to individuals, you serve the church. Be able to show that you can see the bigger picture.

You may be working closely with the youth, but you’re actually ministering to families—and, ultimately, the church. Your ministry isn’t happening in a vacuum, and they’re going to breathe a sigh of relief when they discover that you get it.

9. Be prepared to share your successes

This one can be really difficult. If this is your first interview for a youth position, you might not feel like you have enough wins to really sell yourself. Prepare by thinking about all of your accomplishments and academic, church, or work acknowledgements.

Try and come up with five successes that you can share, and make sure that you can communicate how they apply to this position or demonstrate that you’re the right candidate for the job. Make sure to prioritize those those accomplishments from most important to least. If the conversation veers away from this topic, you don’t want to have started with your weakest material.

10. Have a list of influencers

You can almost count on being asked about theologians, authors, and bloggers that have influenced you. If you’re not prepared for this question, your brain will go into panic mode and just give you white noise. Then, no matter how well read you are, you’ll end up giving the most obvious names.

Think through this question so that you can answer well. You don’t want to simply pull from the first A-list Christian celebrities that come to mind. They want to know that you’re thoughtful, and pulling out obvious choices is going to convince them otherwise.

11. Be able to articulate your call to ministry

Ministry isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Be prepared to cogently (and briefly) explain when and how you knew that God had called you into ministry, and who helped to confirm that calling.

12. When asked about your weaknesses, be honest

If I ask a candidate what their weaknesses are, I’m not looking for a reason to disqualify them. I want to know how honest they are and, more importantly, how introspective and self-aware. It’s a huge strike against them when they give me answers like:

I love too much
I work too hard
I’m too focused on my spiritual life

Be honest about your struggles. If it helps, be able to communicate the strengths that those weaknesses represent—and the steps you take to mitigate those problems.

Nailing an interview is a skill

When you’re prepared, you feel confident. When you feel confident, you help create an environment where everyone is comfortable and affable. Remember the most important element of any interview is the prep that goes into it. If you’re adequately prepared, the interview should be a breeze.

Good luck!

Written by Jayson Bradley – to find out more about Jayson and read more of his writings, check out his blog!

Read more Ministry blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

Make Every Effort

It’s a little word containing only five letters. What is it? UNiTY!

You must want it so intensely that you will go to the altar and then alter your walk. Act like the servant that you have been called to be.

Make no mistake, offenses and conflicts will come. They show up regardless of how spiritually minded you are. That’s when “make every effort” goes to work.

What’s the Word Wednesday

“Your kindness might not move others – or even matter to them at all – but it’s still worth extending. It’s never a waste. The Lord himself receives it and treasures it as precious because it is a reflection of his own unilateral love for centers.”

– Jared C Wilson, Professor at Spurgeon College

7 Essential Guidelines for Pastors Entering a New Pastorate

What is your modus operandi?

You are not the only player in this drama.

You will have an immediate request for a brief meeting from a handful of folks in your first few weeks.

You should not make any promises that would bind your future.

You should know that both assumptions and presumptions can be dangerous.

Your beginning title is, pastor, but you are not really in charge.

You need to build relationships with the key people of your congregation.

You should get to know the outgoing pastor, if possible.

Pastor Appreciation Ideas: Over 50 Creative Ways to Bless Your Pastor and Staff

What’s the Word Wednesday

“Such difficult days and yet God is doing so much in it. It shouldn’t surprise us. We see it through the Scriptures. God is at work in this mess.”

– Matt Chandler, Lead Pastor at Village Church

Balance is A Dirty Word: 4 Reasons Ministry Leaders Should Stop Striving for Balance

1. Balance is nearly impossible to achieve

2. Seeking balance causes stress.

3. Your ministry will suffer.

4. Your family will suffer.

Balance is not the solution. RHYTHM is. I’ll write about that another time.

10 Characteristics Of An Amazing Leadership Team

5 Apps to Increase Productivity

Time Management: Screen Time

Graphic Design: Canva/Over

Bible Study: Logos

File Management: Files, Google Drive, etc.

Member Management: Planning Center People

What apps would you add to this list? What are some boundaries that you set to reduce screen time?

3 Quick Confessions from My Christian Journey

1. Confessions of a frequent giver

2. Confessions of a frequent thinker

3. Confessions of a frequent kneeler

12 Interview Tips for Youth Pastors

1. Do your research

2. Don’t overdo spiritual talk

3. Get your testimony under 2 minutes

4. Turn your ringer off

5. Communicate your understanding of youth issues

6. Have a plan to grow the youth group

7. Be honest about your goals

8. Demonstrate that you understand the big picture

9. Be prepared to share your successes

10. Have a list of influencers

11. Be able to articulate your call to ministry

12. When asked about your weaknesses, be honest

Nailing an interview is a skill

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**What is your modus operandi?**

**Your beginning title is, pastor, but you are not really in charge.**