The Search Committee Dating Game
July 1, 1996
I agree with Thomas Campbell, who wrote, "Better to be courted and jilted,
than never to be courted at all."
But courtship is not easy-especially for pulpit committees and candidates.
I have compiled seven types of pulpit committee "dates" I've been on. 1.The Blind Date.
I had never been on a blind date—until I went into the ministry. The scenario
begins with a phone call or letter from some unknown church asking for my
resume. Usually I am willing to risk the postage, though the church could
just as well be a militia group as an assembly of believers.
Then the church sends me a detailed questionnaire. What is not included,
however, is a single scrap of information about the church. I wonder, Is
filling out this form a waste of time? I know only the name and address
of the church. It's as if the church is saying, "We want to find out everything
about you, without telling you anything about us."
One such church had my resume, philosophy of ministry, summary of ministry
experiences, and a five-page questionnaire that detailed everything from
my favorite doctrines to my favorite sports. I received only three cheery
letters from the church secretary. She seemed quite nice, but for all I know,
the church was a front for a waste-management plant. The fourth cheery letter
told me I was no longer on the list.
Last summer I received a letter, a variation of the blind date: "Dear Reverend,
On behalf of the Pulpit Search Committee and the Elder Board, I would like
to thank you for your interest in the position of Pastor of _______."
I had never heard of the church, yet I was in the running.
I read on: "A call for the position has been made and accepted, so no further
consideration will be given at this ...
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