A church's staff has a vested interest in the selection of a new pastor. If the search is for a senior pastor, staff members are understandably interested in what it will be like to work under this person. They may worry that the new pastor will have different expectations for their position or even wish to replace them. If the incoming pastor will be a peer, they wonder what kind of colleague this person will be. Their questions revolve around a potential candidate's personality as much as they do his or her philosophy of ministry.

If the church plans to retain staff members after the hire of a new senior pastor, it is especially important for them to have some input in the selection process. A staff member's insight into the church's leadership needs can help the congregation make a wise and strategic choice. During a change in leadership, staff who have enjoyed a long tenure at a church play a special role in maintaining the continuity of a church's philosophy of ministry and vision.