When a beloved pastor retires, moves on, or steps away, your church faces a pivotal question:
Should we lead the search process ourselves—or bring in outside help?
While some congregations are ready to manage this journey internally, others benefit from a trusted partner to help them stay focused, spiritually grounded, and aligned with their mission.
5 Questions to Ask Before You DIY a Pastor Search
Before jumping into the deep end alone, ask your leadership team:
- Do we have a clear plan and timeline?
- Are our leadership roles defined and aligned?
- Have we created space for spiritual discernment?
- Are we equipped to guide our congregation through emotional change?
- Do we know how to assess candidates beyond a resume or sermon video?
If you’re unsure about any of these, you’re not alone. Even the healthiest churches can struggle during transitions. Without guidance, some make avoidable missteps or even call the wrong leader, setting back years of progress.
The Case for Outside Help
At the Center for Healthy Churches-PneuMatrix, we’ve walked alongside hundreds of churches navigating pastoral transitions. Our experienced consultants offer more than just process management—we help churches:
- Clarify their identity and mission
- Engage in meaningful spiritual discernment
- Avoid power struggles and confusion
- Find the right pastor for your unique —not just a good resume
Our approach isn’t one-size-fits-all. We tailor the journey based on your denomination, size, and specific needs.
Start Here: Free 8-Step Discernment Guide
Not sure what’s right for your church? Start with our free resource: “8 Steps to Discern if You Should DIY or Get Help with Your Pastor Search.”
This simple guide helps your team evaluate your readiness and determine whether you’d benefit from an outside partner.
Here’s a preview of what you’ll consider:
- Clarify Your Capacity
- Check for Alignment
- Create a Realistic Timeline
- Assess Your Communication Plan
- Evaluate Discernment Tools
- Consider Emotional Dynamics
- Plan for Both Goodbye and Hello
- Weigh the Value of Outside Insight
📥 Download the 8-Step Guide Here
Final Word: It’s OK to Ask for Help
Pastoral transitions are sacred opportunities—not just administrative tasks. If your team is unsure on more than 2 of the steps above, it might be time to start a conversation with CHC-PMX.
We’re not here to pressure—we’re here to help.
📞 Let’s talk: info@chchurches.org | 877-242-0769
🌐 Visit: chchurches.org
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