1. Personal financial pressures
2. Difference in Church theology and leadership
3. Preference for another kind of ministry
4. Need to care for family
5. Not a fit in church and community culture

Hit close to home? Disagree with his reasons? Leave a comment.

Want to know more? Follow the link: “Top 5 Reasons Youth Pastor Quit“

I know it isn’t an easy process to search for a new youth ministry job (and it might not be a short one for some youth workers). The days turn to weeks, which turn to months. Each day that goes by can bring with it a sense of loss or despair, but it doesn’t have to be that way. To help you through your search process, here are some lessons/tips I’ve learned during mine.

1. Keep an organized list of your contact with churches.
2. Determine your ministry limits and geographical boundaries.
3. Talk with friends.
4. Look online for job openings.
5. Use your waiting time wisely.
6. Pray.

Want a more in depth explanation of these steps? Follow the link: “Youth Ministry Job Search: Part 1“

1. What is it that really makes your church distinctive?
2. What are the non-essentials that you look for in hiring staff?
3. How is the church as a whole governed? Elders? Deacons? Both? Are there committees?
4. What were three stand outs (in terms of success) that happened last year?
5. What are the things that YOU personally look for and value in the next Middle School Pastor?
6. Why is the Student Ministry an important part of the church? Why is Middle School so important?
7. What is your picture of success in the Student Ministry? In the Middle School Ministry?
8. Is there a process for staff ‘evaluations’ with the Student Ministry staff? How does that look?
9. What kind of resources will the Middle School Pastor have? Interns? Secretary/assistant? Budget for the ministry?
10. How much will be expected of the next Middle School Pastor administratively / organizationally?

Want to read the rest of the questions? Follow the link: “Questions to Ask Your Next Church“

One, before sitting down to write your resume for that dream job at your dream church, remember that your resume is meant to be an introduction to help further a conversation along rather than a happy-shinny-slightly-exaggerated sales pitch meant to wow somebody. Two, rather than hyping yourself up, humbly open yourself up. Three, even though everyone lies about themselves on the first date hoping to get a second, decide here and now that honesty and integrity will rule the day. Catch a theme here?

He then divides the resume into two parts:

Part 1: The Introduction

More of a conversational introduction than a pedigree, share your heart and your passions and let reader get to know you.

• Family & Ministry Passions – A short paragraph about your family, hobbies, and some ministry experiences. Keep it short!
• My Role as Pastor – Share your beliefs about the role of the pastor and how that plays out in real life.
• Tip My Hand Theologically – It’s not a creed nor the 39 articles, but a simple statement on some beliefs as they interact with culture.

Part 2: The Rap Sheet

Here you are going to get into the more traditional resume elements.

• Spiritual Gifts & Natural Abilities – Be concrete and share your real skills. Avoid throwaway phrases.
• Ministry Profile – The kinds of ministry jobs, or other jobs, that are pertinent to what you are applying for.
• Education – “Where you went to school and what you have hanging on your wall.”
• References – Available upon request.

Read more, including his own delightfully more in depth explanations, by following the link: “How to Write a Ministry Resume“

10. What do you believe your fundamental calling is as a minister of the gospel?

9. What do you believe is the function of Lord’s Day worship? How would you see that function best served?

8. Who are your heroes, and why are they your heroes?

7. What is the greatest danger to the peace of the local church? What is the greatest danger to the purity of the local church?

6. What are the last five books you read? What is the most helpful book you read in the past year?

5. What was the most positive aspect of your training for gospel ministry? What was the most negative aspect?

4. What is the good news of Jesus Christ?

3. What have you done for the unbelievers in your community? What have you done for the unborn?

2. How would your friends honestly describe the disposition of your wife and children?

1. What are your greatest weaknesses as a pastor?

Want to know his answers? Follow the link: “10 Important Things to Ask a Potential Pastor“

We have a large winter resident component to our congregation; our attendance over the winter months averages approximately 800 – 900. This declines to approx. 200 during the summer.

This ministry position will require a man who is highly passionate about ministry and has strong administrative and teaching skills.  Prior ministry experience is preferred.

The Indianola Church of Christ is a vibrant, independent church located in the heart of Central Iowa.  Indianola is a growing community located just a few miles south of Des Moines (Iowa’s Capital City) and is the county seat of Warren County.  A four-year college is also located in our community.

We are located in Athens, AL, about 7 miles west of Athens. Our Sunday morning attendance averages 180 members, with four elders and twelve deacons serving the congregation.