How do you find one to lead the flock

[zealwriter]

I'm curious to know what you here think about this issue. If a church is looking for a pastor, what characteristics should be in place before that candidate be considered at all?

Or, by what means should a person be sought after to be chosen to lead a local assembly?

[seguidordejesus]

Put an ad in the Thrifty Nickel

[angelindesguise]

Put an ad in the Thrifty Nickel


:think: So that's how it's done huh?

[Bro.Sam]

:think: So that's how it's done huh?

Call the District Supt. and see who he sends

[Evangelist Paul]

Ideally a new pastor should be prepared from the leadership that already exists in the local church. But beyond that....

The personality and culture of the church should be a strong consideration. If the church is very conservative you don't want to even consider someone who doesn't feel that way about the important issues. If the church is more open and even considered liberal by some, don't even consider a conservative pastor - either case is likely to lead to a church split or at least many unhappy members.

Seek the face of God. It is always good to know what he wants for the body.

Inquire of the elders that your body submits to. If you are UPCI, your presbyter and/or district superintendent.

[seguidordejesus]

:think: So that's how it's done huh?

yep

[zealwriter]

Seek the face of God. It is always good to know what he wants for the body.


I like that answer:banana:

[zealwriter]

Okay, that was too easy. Some of what was said was textbook, but what about those who resort to a vote?

What do you all think about taking a vote in choosing a leader in the church?

[ddc101]

Prayer and fasting.BTW where is your church?I know tons of preachers.

[zealwriter]

Prayer and fasting.BTW where is your church?I know tons of preachers.

I don't understand where my church has relevance to my question or how many preachers I know for the same. I am asking a question because many churches have leaders in place that came into position by a vote.

Because of this common occurrence I wondered how those of you here thought about the voting process since it does effect many Apostolic Churches.

[RandyWayne]

I have never heard of a situation where a new pastor was not actually voted on by the congregation, but I can imagine it may happen from time to time.

The problem comes when the issue is put to the voters like "Ok, do you vote to do God's will and place this man as your pastor? Or flagrantly violate His plan for your church and deny this man, who God has chosen to lead you, from pastoring? It is your choice.... But choose wisely!"

[TodayAGiftFrGod]

I think the church body should absolutely vote on the pastor and the coming pastor should know a percentage of votes he got. He has a right to know how much support he has coming in when he considers to accept or turn down the offer. Some won't come if they don't have a certain percentage of confidence from the church in the beginning.

[ddc101]

Casting lots is biblical and in the New Testament.
Sorry I thought you were being real not ficticious.

[zealwriter]

No, I am being real. First, casting lots is in the bible yes, but I take the position that it is an antiquated form of knowing what the will of GOD is since the Holy Ghost came into play for believers.

As a proof, as I believe, in the New Testament the Apostles cast lots when choosing a replacement for Judas Iscariot. I state again, as I have before, that the LORD showed his choice in Saul; hence you have the antiquated exposed.

I think it is "mighty secular of us" to say that a pastor should be mindful of who supports him or not and should be exposed to this fact as a condition to minister and do the will of the LORD. Oh, since I put it that way I'm sure I'll hear that it wasn't meant that way.

My position is this, if it is the will of the LORD for one to head a particular local church then all that person needs to know is that they are there by the will of the Most High. I think further, if one is voted in then they do well to have concern.

I know of many churches that have preferred to take the vote rather than cling to the altar. When a person does not have the Spirit of the Living GOD inside himself then I can understand casting lots. But when one has the progenitor of life within there is no excuse for using natural means to decide on a spiritual choice.

I wasn't trying to be ficticious or facetious but strictly real.