Calling Your Pastor

Every church needs the ministry of the word and pastoral oversight. Indeed it is hard to conceive how a gospel church could function without these gifts. Generally speaking, if these ministries are to be carried out adequately it is necessary to have a man (or more than one) set apart full-time.

A pastor is understood to be a man who has been called by a local church to join its leadership with particular responsibility for regular preaching, teaching, giving spiritual direction and pastoral care.

One of the greatest privileges, and sternest challenges, faced by Independent churches is the responsibility to call their own leaders. So what steps should a church take in these circumstances?

Contained in Calling Your Pastor is wisdom and advice distilled from many churches who have appointed new pastors – including those who have made serious mistakes in the process. Though the guide seeks to be as helpful and comprehensive as possible, it does not negate the need for your church to think carefully about the best way of calling a pastor.

Please be prayerful about this process. It can be easy to get busy with all of the work that needs doing, but most importantly you need God’s wisdom and guidance.