The Importance of Discernment in Calling a New Pastor
For churches that practice a call system when searching for a new pastor, the process is far more than a simple hiring decision. It’s a sacred journey—one that requires deep spiritual discernment, faithful prayer, and intentional listening for God’s guidance. While there are practical steps and best practices to follow, the heart of this process is about seeking God’s will for your congregation’s future.
Begin with Prayer: The Foundation of Discernment
From the very first conversation to the final decision, prayer must ground the entire pastoral search process. This isn’t just an administrative task or a leadership transition—it’s a spiritual calling that requires reverence and humility.
Let Jesus’ words in Luke 22:42 be your guide:
“Father, not my will, but yours be done.”
This kind of prayer—often called “holy indifference”—means letting go of personal agendas so the team can be fully open to God’s leading.
As your search team begins its work, adopt this spiritual posture intentionally. Pray together consistently, asking for the Spirit’s direction in every meeting, every conversation, and every decision. This isn’t about simply hiring the right person; it’s about discerning whom God is calling to shepherd your church.
A Sacred Task That Requires Discernment
Calling a pastor is a holy responsibility. But spiritual discernment doesn’t mean you ignore practical wisdom. It’s a combination of both. As James 1:5-6 promises, God gives wisdom generously to those who ask.
Here’s how that plays out:
🧠 Knowledge – Learn about candidates—their background, theology, leadership, and experience.
🧭 Understanding – Interpret how their gifts align with your church’s mission and needs.
🙏 Wisdom – Seek the Spirit’s guidance to recognize fit, even when it’s not obvious on paper.
Don’t skip any part of this trio. Spiritual discernment works best when prayer, insight, and information come together.
Start with Spiritual Discernment—Not Just Strategy
One of the first steps in a healthy pastor search is to lay a strong spiritual foundation. That starts with discernment—not logistics.
And it’s not just for the search team. The entire congregation should be invited into a posture of prayer and openness to God’s will.
Before diving into expectations or candidate profiles, call the church to pray. Ask God not just for the leader people want—but for the one your church needs. That distinction makes all the difference.
Listening to the Congregation—and to God
Listening well is part of discernment, too. But rather than using outdated surveys, create space for meaningful conversations.
Try small group gatherings where members reflect on:
- Your church’s story and identity
- Current ministry realities
- Hopes and questions for the future
Center those conversations around a powerful question:
“What does God need from this church and its next pastor?”
Shifting the dialogue from personal preferences to divine purpose sets a healthier tone for the entire search.
A Holy Journey Requires Holy Discernment
Calling a new pastor is one of the most sacred and defining moments in the life of a church. It’s not just about filling a vacancy—it’s about responding faithfully to God’s call.
By staying rooted in prayer, listening to your people and the Spirit, and seeking wisdom in every decision, your church can move forward with confidence.
Trust that God is already preparing both your church and the pastor God is calling to lead it.
Want Help Crafting a Spiritually-Grounded Process?
If you wanted to involve your entire congregation in a meaningful discernment journey, what would that look like?
At CHC, we’ve helped hundreds of churches design pastoral search processes that are both spiritual and strategic. Contact us to learn how we can support your team.
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