The Search Begins (Soon)

I can imagine the sighs of “FINALLY” in many of your minds as the selection of the Search Committee for your new Senior Pastor has arrived! Obviously, theirs will be an important decision for the future of the church. What should they look for in the candidate? Thankfully, they are not totally dependent on their own judgment because the Bible gives several clear instructions.

1. He must faithfully preach the Word, without compromise:

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season’ reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” 2 Timothy 4:1-4

Strong preaching enables the church to mature as disciples. Paul’s example should be

every Senior Pastor’s goal in ministering to the church to which he is called:

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in

Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister

according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God

fully known . . . that we may present everyone mature in Christ . . .” Colossians 1:24-29

“. . . for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:27

2. He must be a man of character who loves his flock:

“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.”

1 Thessalonians 2:7

“ . . . shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion,

but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over

those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”

1 Peter 5:2-3

3. He must have a love for those outside the church.

“Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders . . .” 1 Timothy 3:7

4. He may not have the gift of evangelism but he must be willing to do the work of an evangelist. 2 Timothy 4:5b

This job of searching and selecting your new pastor falls on the shoulders of these seven people whom you have selected to represent you. But your job is not yet complete. You, SRBC members and attendees, have the crucial job of lifting them in prayer, asking God to guide them and to prepare this pastor that He has planned for you.