Scott Freeman

1. 15 Responses to “If You Could Interview A Potential Church…”

2. By Greg on Jul 30, 2007 | Reply

   I would ask a church for references, and check those. In the interview process itself I would ask the elders to name a list of books, authors or speakers who have most influenced their shepherding. (This answers another question: do they even think about their shepherding?) I would ask about financial controls: who pays the bills, how many people have church credit cards and check signing privileges, and so on. If it really came down to a job offer I would ask to see the books–a recent audit or other financial report, and part of my employment would include a contract defining salary & benefits, procedures and severance for firing or resignation, roles and responsibilities, and so on.

   I would be interested to know how members of the congregation answer the question, “What does a disciple of Jesus do?” I think I would ask that as I met people who attend the church.

   Also I would ask the interview committee or elders for a demographic snapshot of the neighborhood around the church. (this answers another question–do they have a clue about that?)

   there’s probably more…

3. By Greg on Jul 30, 2007 | Reply

   what is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?

4. By Scott on Jul 30, 2007 | Reply

   I was thinking about their views on social drinking and dancing.

   But those are good too.

5. By Jim MacKenzie on Jul 30, 2007 | Reply

   Benefits… what is their package (if they have one)? This may seem shallow but it lets you know how they care for their minister-types. Or if they care. I learned this one the hard way…

6. By Jeff B. on Jul 30, 2007 | Reply

   Which preaching school is your favorite?

   If I baptize someone with long hair and their hair is left floating on the top of the water, will they be saved?

   Seriously, I have always asked the name of their previous minister and the reason why he left. I then try to contact the previous minister to ask the same question. Usually, I either get very evasive answers on both sides, or I get answers biased in the negative. The latter serves to balance out the positive bias that is usually presented during the try-out process.

7. By Scott on Jul 30, 2007 | Reply

   Yeah, benefits and the previous guy are pretty stock questions for me.

   One of the things I’m interested in at this point is the intellectual curiosity of the congregation. Are they interested in grappling with complex issues?

8. By Phil Wilson on Jul 30, 2007 | Reply

   Do they approve of mixed bathing? What about mixed swimming?

9. By Amy on Jul 30, 2007 | Reply

   Phil!

   I would ask what type of disciples they are forming. How have their long-term members developed spiritually (which encompasses missionally as well)?

10. By popadoug on Jul 30, 2007 | Reply

    Scott, I started to weigh in but backed out. I don’t understand the reasons on some of the answers you have already received.

11. By Scott on Jul 31, 2007 | Reply

    Dad, some questions are serious. Some not so much.

    Amy, that is a great question. I’m afraid most congregations couldn’t answer it, however.

12. By Amy on Jul 31, 2007 | Reply

    Phil, I was joking ya, I hope you picked up on that. I don’t know why I think you people can see my facial expressions.

13. By John on Jul 31, 2007 | Reply

    Even before the interview I would try and go to a service to see what the fellowship is like. Are they welcoming to new people or is it a private club?

14. By R-Liz on Jul 31, 2007 | Reply

    I would ask them if they felt the position of Preacher fell under the Executive Branch
    or the Legislative Branch.

15. By R-Liz on Jul 31, 2007 | Reply

    Seriously– I would ask them questions about burn-out: How do they help guard against burn-out with folks in leadership? Is it a concern for them?

16. By Scott on Aug 1, 2007 | Reply

    Great questions. Dealing with burn-out is a big one.

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