NEW! Featured Question: What are three things a pastoral search committee should keep in mind?
John Beukema Responds:
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Don't overcorrect. One common mistake is to subconsciously look for someone who is strong where the previous pastor was weak. For example, Pastor Jones was great with people, but not dynamic in the pulpit, so the committee hires a great communicator. However, the new pastor is not as personally warm and is soon contrasted unfavorably with Jones. Or Smith was constantly going to school and conferences, so they hire someone with no desire for advanced training. They quickly find the new pastor isn't on the growing edge of anything. Overcorrection is one reason why many long-term pastorates are followed by a "sacrificial lamb."
