Ministry jobs are a strange thing. For one, choosing a career in ministry isn’t the same as, say, choosing a career in accounting or computer science. Christians are called to ministry. That’s why it feels a bit strange to write (or read) an article on “How to Find an Associate Pastor.” Ministry positions aren’t filled by recruiting firms, temp agencies, or headhunters. God calls people, equips people, and gives people ministries. At the same time, just like the church leaders in Acts 6, it is necessary to look for church leaders. So how do you do it? How do you find an associate pastor?
What Is an Associate Pastor?
First, we probably need to answer a simple question: what is an associate pastor anyway? Though it goes by a variety of terms, an associate pastor is usually a pastor at a church, but not the lead pastor. In other words, most churches have a leadership team that consists of a “first-among-equals,” which is the lead pastor, senior pastor, head pastor, whatever. Then, there are associate pastors—people whose role is pastoral, but whose position is underneath that of the senior pastor. An associate pastor or assistant pastor may be someone who has oversight of education, youth, outreach, vision, etc. An associate pastor is a second-man for ministry.
When to Find an Associate Pastor
We also need to answer the timing question. When do you need an associate pastor? There are a few things you need to consider. First, what is the size of the church? If a church has grown to over 150 people, and there is only one pastor, it’s probably time to start looking for another paid staff member to assist in the leadership of the church. Also, you must be aware of the budget. If you need a full-time associate pastor, you must also pay someone a full-time salary. Does the church have the necessary funds? Finally, you must have a clearly defined role for the associate pastor. Saying “HELP, I’M TOO BUSY” and quickly hiring a new guy doesn’t constitute “clearly defined role.” Before you begin your search for an associate pastor, consider and write out the what and how of the associate pastor’s role.
Now, you’re ready to begin your search.
How to Find an Associate Pastor
- Consider your existing volunteer leadership. The best place to start looking is right beneath your very nose. Do you have any one currently serving in your church who may be gifted for ministry? Ask them. Obviously, approaching someone about ministry takes a lot of care, prayer, and forethought. Do you have a lay elder in your church who has a gift for preaching, a passion for ministry, and a good relationship with the people? Do you sense within him an itch for ministry? Often, the best leaders—maybe your next associate pastor—come from your existing volunteer leadership.
- Train from within. Another way to find an associate pastor is to train a younger man in your congregation. God has given to the church the responsibility of recognizing God’s call upon a person’s life. Work with the young men in your church who have God’s call. Help them develop their gifts in preaching, Bible study, counseling, and leadership. After the appropriate training and instruction, one of these men may be ready to take the role of associate pastor.
- Now, for the most important and most profitable way to find an associate pastor. In one word, it’s called networking. Network everywhere. Start with your friends, especially those in ministry. Call every single one of them and ask. “Hey, I’m looking for an associate pastor. Know anyone who’s qualified?” Call your seminary buddies, pastor friends, church volunteer friends, and anyone else you can think of. Call other ministries in your local area. It could be that a nearby church is having to cut costs and release some of their pastoral staff. Maybe someone is needing to transition into a different ministry role. Go to conferences and network with other men in the ministry. Ask them. Ask them to ask their friends. Network far and wide. Go through your list of Facebook friends and look for leads. Your man is out there. Network your way to him.
- Call Christian universities. Most Christian universities, seminaries, and ministerial schools have a type of ministerial placement service, by which they connect churches with seminary or Bible school graduates. If you respect the graduates, credentials, or position of a certain school, give them a call to see if they offer this service.
- Search online. Finally, if you must, consider using a ministry search site. The most ideal way to fill a position is through some personal connection with individuals (i.e., networking) but sometimes, an Internet search is necessary. Sites that offer ministry placement services are www.churchstaffing.com, www.pastorfinder.com, and www.christianjobs.com.
Finally, pray about it. Like we mentioned at the beginning of the article, finding an associate pastor isn’t the same as hiring a key man for a company. The position you’re hiring for isn’t about higher profit margins or increased sales. It’s about the church, it’s about souls, it’s about eternity.