The Pastoral Search Journey: A Guide to Finding Your Next Pastor (Book)
John Vonhof, Author.  Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2010.

From the departure of a current pastor to the installation of a new pastor, The Pastoral Search Journey offers a comprehensive map through the pastoral search process. John Vonhof guides boards in forming the search committee. He then guides search committees as they set strategies, establish priorities, and complete tasks.

Readers familiar with Vonhof's earlier guides to pastoral searches will find significant updates here. In particular, Vonhof addresses how social networking technology has changed the ways we communicate and how to leverage such technology for pastoral searches.

Vonhof devotes whole chapters to key topics: handling the interim period, managing congregations, discerning congregational identity, developing an information packet, finding suitable candidates, connecting with pastors, and determining whom to recommend. Specific suggestions on developing surveys, managing references, conducting interviews, and dealing with red flags are included. Later chapters discuss introducing pastors to the congregation, building a compensation package, and overseeing a smooth transition.

Of particular value is an explanation of common mistakes that lead to trouble: relying too heavily on first impressions; choosing a new pastor in reaction to the former pastor; failing to respect confidentiality; failing to hold all candidates to the same requirements; allowing special interests to push the agenda; and succumbing to pressure to "speed things up."

"Task cluster" charts, used throughout, pictorially reveal the tasks involved in the search process. Appendices offer sample letters and forms.

This book can serve as a "one-stop" guide to pastoral searches, especially for those new to the process.

Average Customer Rating: Not yet rated
Rate this resource and share your thoughts.

Return to category listing

See also these resources:

A Change of Pastors . . . And How It Affects Change in the Congregation (Book)
Loren B. Mead, Author.  Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2005.
Loren Mead explains ways that clergy can work with the church during their exit from old ministry settings and entrance into new settings. Revising an earlier work (A Critical Moment in Ministry), Mead addresses current issues.