How do you biblically evaluate and call a pastor? Chris Brauns answers that in his new book, When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search: Biblical Principles and Practices to Guide Your Search (Moody, 2011). If your church is searching for a pastor, this is would be my top recommendation, and it would be wise to have multiple copies on hand.
You can read chapter 5 online here.
Here’s a description:
At any given time there are thousands of churches seeking a lead pastor. While a great resume, a friendly smile and a memorable sermon will convince many, what should local congregations focus on to find a new shepherd? Chris Brauns believes to find a great preacher the search must focus on God’s Word and how the candidate relates to it and preaches from it.
This book is a must have resource for search committees and church leaders addressing the needs of churches in the transition of pastoral leadership. It assists by approaching their responsibilities in a biblical way and providing critical help in key practical matters. From the initial formation of a search committee to the final terms of agreement with the new pastor, Brauns shows you how to “major on the majors” and away from subjective approaches of evaluating candidates and their sermons. Great also for pastors or pastoral students to know how to prepare, the book includes such practical tools as interview questions for candidates and the top mistakes search committees make.
Here are a couple of the blurbs:
“The next time someone asks me for advice on conducting a pastoral search process I will tell him to read this book. This isn’t the only book you should read prior to launching your search, but it is the first. This book is practical, theological, biblical, and wise.And when a pertinent topic isn’t covered, Chris Brauns points you to the right resources. There are few decisions more crucial for a church than picking the right pastor. You owe it to yourself to read this book. It will help churches and pastors avoid lots of common mistakes.”
—Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor, University Reformed Church (East Lansing,MI)
“In the normal course of events, the search for a pastor should not be a regular event in the life of a congregation. When a church needs to find a pastor, therefore, many have little guidance as to how to go about the process. Chris Brauns’s book is the only resource of its kind that I have ever seen. If your church is searching for a pastor, or if you are a pastor seeking to equip your congregation to follow biblical guidelines when that day does come, I highly recommend this thoughtful, practical, biblical work to you.”
—Russell D. Moore, Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
You can find more information and resources at the book’s site.
