When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search: Biblical Principles and Practices to Guide Your Search

by Chris Brauns

At any given time there are thousands of churches seeking a lead pastor.  While a great resume, a friendly smile and a memorable sermon will convince many, what should local congregations focus on to find a new shepherd?  Chris Brauns believes to find a great preacher the search must focus on God's Word and how the candidate relates to it and preaches from it.  This book is a must have resource for search committees and church leaders addressing the needs of churches in the transition of pastoral leadership.  It assists by approaching their responsibilities in a biblical way and providing critical help in key practical matters.  From the initial formation of a search committee to the final terms of agreement with the new pastor, Brauns shows you how to "major on the majors" and away from subjective approaches of evaluating candidates and their sermons.  Great also for pastors or pastoral students to know how to prepare, the book includes such practical tools as interview questions for candidates and the top mistakes search committees make.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Theology, Ecclesiology

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2010

Reviews

[Reeds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very practical and sensible list to keep in mind.
It isn't some tome that we'd need to slog through. It is very quick and easy to understand.

[Peter Voorhees · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this guide offers valuable foundational principles for pastoral search committees, particularly in emphasizing the primacy of Scripture in pastoral formation, it ultimately delivers an incomplete roadmap for churches seeking their next spiritual leader.

The author rightly establishes that biblical grounding and sound theological understanding should be non-negotiable qualities in pastoral candidates. However, the modern church landscape demands a more comprehensive evaluation framework, especially for established congregations with complex institutional dynamics.

The book's narrow focus overlooks several critical dimensions of pastoral leadership:

Cultural Intelligence and Adaptability
- Today's churches often span multiple generations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sometimes even cultural contexts
- A pastor must navigate these differences while maintaining unity and fostering inclusive community
- The ability to understand, respect, and bridge various cultural perspectives is crucial for effective ministry

Leadership and Organizational Skills
- Experience in staff management, volunteer coordination, and institutional planning
- Capacity for strategic thinking and vision-casting
- Financial stewardship and resource allocation wisdom
- Change management capabilities, particularly vital for churches in transition

Interpersonal and Emotional Intelligence
- Conflict resolution abilities and experience in mediating difficult situations
- Emotional awareness and capacity for empathy
- Skills in mentoring, counseling, and pastoral care
- Ability to build and maintain healthy relationships across diverse groups

While strong biblical exposition is fundamental, it alone doesn't guarantee effective pastoral leadership. The relationship between theological knowledge and practical shepherding is more complex than the book suggests. A pastor must be able to translate biblical wisdom into actionable guidance for real-world situations.

The guide's strength lies in its emphasis on spiritual foundations and biblical qualifications. However, its shortcoming is the missed opportunity to address the full spectrum of competencies needed for long-term pastoral success. Modern church leadership requires a balanced blend of spiritual depth, practical wisdom, and relational skills.

For search committees, particularly those in established churches, this book should serve as a starting point rather than a comprehensive manual. Committees would be wise to supplement these guidelines with additional criteria addressing leadership capacity, cultural competency, and emotional intelligence. These factors are essential for ensuring not just the initial fit of a pastoral candidate, but their potential for sustained, effective ministry in an increasingly complex church environment.

The author has provided a valuable service in emphasizing biblical foundations, but future editions would benefit from expanding the scope to include these crucial additional dimensions of pastoral leadership.

[Hardie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid book on importance of preaching to your search team

This book has a lot of good information for pastor search teams but for me the most valuable part deals with the importance of preaching the Word. To often a team looks for a "good preacher" with no definition of what that means. If we are not careful we can end up making a decision based on entertainment or some other non-biblical reason. Chris Brauns provides both a definition and a tool for applying the definition to your search.

[Daryl Watts]

This has some (just some) helpful guidelines for pastor search teams, but the author seldom gives his rationale or his experience with search teams.

I totally agree with his suggestion that churches get outside help. Of course, I AM such a help as an intentional interim.

I'm not sure that he can make the case the preaching is the most important and only unimprovable part of a pastor's work. It's important, but some churches need care, leadership, or an evangelist at the senior pastor helm.

[Peter LeDuc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource both for flocks looking for a shepherd and shepherds looking for a flock. Brauns lays out practical and objective standards for interviewing and judging a potential pastor. There is a refreshing biblical focus on the candidate's character and ability to minister the Word to Christ's people. An essential book for the church.

[Greg Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a denomination that requires a Master of Divinity for Sr Pastor, the heavy focus of this book on scriptural preaching is safeguarded by a call going through the local presbytery. That said, there are a number of important points related to selecting a pastor to make this book valuable for those called to find the next over-shepherd for their faith family.

[Jason Pamblanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth reading for any church seeking a Pastor.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful book on the pastoral search process. Brauns encourages us to focus on the minister's devotion to the Word and to exegetical preaching.

[Tim Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful! Would recommend Sessions read prior to setting up search committees, and then also by committee members.

[RhodaJane Olmstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had so many good insights and helped me refocus my heart on how to find a pastor. The sample questions and other things are invaluable!

[Greg Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few years back I enjoyed reading a little book about a missionary’s experiences while on deputation. Anyone who has been close to a missionary knows the joys and trials of trying to raise support. I have often thought someone should write a book for mission committees on how to handle the deputation process. Having been a pastoral candidate a few times, I am glad someone has written a book for pastoral search committees. Chris Brauns has done churches and pastoral candidates a great service with this book, subtitled Biblical Principles and Practices To Guide Your Search.

Having profited greatly from Brauns first book I was anxious to read this his second. Additionally, the fact that my son-in-law was going through the process as I was reading the book heightened my interest. I couldn’t help but reflect on my own experiences with various search committees, some of who were more effective than others, but none as detailed as Brauns prescribes (perhaps good for me or I may have never received a call).

He begins with a much needed emphasis on the part prayer must have in the process. He believes that prayer should be fervently and consistently offered for the search committee, the next pastor (whomever he may be) and the congregation. He even offers some specific requests (which also allows him to express a few caveats).

As the title suggests, the author has a clear premise. “This priority on being Word-centered is one that must be pursued for churches looking for a pastor” (p. 37). The practical results of such a priority are two-fold. “First, a Word-centered pastoral search committee will evaluate candidates against biblical qualifications” (p. 39). “The second practical outcome of forming a Word-centered pastoral search committee is that the committee will see the need to call a pastor who will preach the Word” (p. 40).

Being Word-centered will allow for real unity rather than other attempts that actually may lead to disunity. Often search committees are made up of individuals chosen to represent the various ministries in the church or the demographic. This however creates a tension between the different interests represented. On the other hand, if the candidate and his preaching are evaluated by biblical qualifications then this requires that committee members be chosen based upon their commitment to the Word and not their particular interests. Another mistake is asking the wrong questions on a survey. Many surveys seek to find a majority opinion among personal preferences. Brauns suggests that if you use a survey, the questions be geared towards reminding the congregation of what the church’s mission is and the importance of obedience to the Word preached.

Perhaps the biggest mistake search committees make is not doing the hard work. If each person does not do his or her job, an uninformed decision is likely. In addition to the initial phone interview, the candidate should be brought in for at least two visits with lengthy interviews. This hard work also includes thoroughly vetting the candidate by interviewing his references, and, if possible, visiting his home and his congregation (if he is currently a pastor). This is one reason Brauns cautions that a proper search is a costly process. Of course there needs to be a credit check and a check for a criminal record. All of this is necessary because “your job as a search committee is to evaluate as objectively as possible how well the reality of the candidate’s ministry matches up with his claims” (p. 165).

He especially emphasizes listening to a good number of the candidate’s sermons. In fact, a portion of the book is a lesson in expository preaching. On pages 128-131 he supplies a “Sermon Evaluation Form.” Each committee member needs to listen to the assigned sermons and evaluate them before gathering to discuss the sermons as a committee. Brauns clearly believes that preaching is job one for a pastor. I agree.

As far as disagreements with the book, I would not use the word “unction” in describing how a sermon is delivered (pages 112-117). Also, unless I am misconstruing his meaning, I would not say, “There are many gifted, godly leaders out there. Only one of them is called to pastor your church” (p. 139). That seems to suggest there is only one right one and if you miss him you miss God’s will. (I would be all right with saying that after the church has called him and he has accepted.)

There are other helps in this book, including how to interview and answers to frequently asked questions.

[Matthew Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a pleasure to read a good book that you don’t have to.

My latest such pleasure was reading When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search by my online friend, Chris Brauns.

I’m thankful that I’m neither on a pastoral search team nor searching for a new pastorate. So, I don’t have to read this book. But I’m glad I did.

Brauns offers an excellent practical theology of searching for a vocational pastor. The chapters are warm and readable, practical and theological–just what a search team needs. If you are only going to read one book about the topic, this is the one to read.

That makes two for two for Brauns. His first book is my go-to book on forgiveness, as well.

And this one is better than the last. More readable, more focused, better organized, and immediately applicable (the topic is easier, of course, much less fraught with confusion).

Brauns makes the case for two major things to look for in a candidate: a godly shepherd and a good expository preacher. But he doesn’t assume that we know what good expository preaching is. He gives search teams a very helpful definition (with helpful exposition!) and then makes it practical. I love how he explains preaching to non-pastors! This is the first book I’ve seen that does that well. Most books on preaching are written for preachers or wannabes. This is different–and very helpful.

At least half of the book is dedicated to expository preaching–and I think that’s probably the right balance, though given my bent towards biblical counseling, I would have liked to see more about how the pastoral candidate submits to and uses the Word in all of the rest of his ministry–not just in the pulpit. But I quibble. I was happily reminded of and very encouraged to think about what I do week in and week out and how important it really is.

There is a lot more to like in the book–including a defense of word-centeredness for your search team, a lack of Chris’ denominational or tribal distinctives yet not being anti-denominational or anti-network, practical questions to ask the candidate, a call to trust in God throughout the searching process, and doses of happy humor dolloped throughout.

I’d like to write a book like this someday. And I’m glad I could read it for pleasure this week.

Thank you, Chris!

[Kenneth Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Year: 2011
Publisher: Moody
Pages: 192
Recommended Reading: Yes
Scripture Index: No
Subject Index: No
As I am currently serving on a pastoral search committee this could not have been a more timely book to read. This book was very helpful with a great balance of biblical insight and practical advice on implementing it. The book examines what a biblical pastor will look like and how a search committee can seek the man who fits the role. A large emphasis of the book is on seeking a pastor that is a strong preacher and preaches the word of God. It is especially helpful in helping those who read it understand what a biblical sermon will look like. It gives some objective standards by which to judge a sermon preventing subjective evaluations by the search committee. The author argues for the superiority of exposisitory preaching. By this he means making the point of the text the point of your sermon, but shows also how this should be done correctly and not boringly.
In this book you also find very practical advice all along the way showing you mistakes to avoid and how to proceed in a helpful manner. The reader will also be pleased with the suggested interview questions and tips to help interview candidates. Also included is a very helpful frequently asked questions section that helps clarify some of what the author has written earlier and expands on it. This is a great place to start for anyone on a pastoral search committee. You may not agree with every suggestion the author makes but overall the book is extremely practical and helpful. I would recommend it to any church in transition between pastors.

I received this book free from Moody Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Brad Hoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not only is this book a resource I will suggest to others who are facing a pastoral search, it also challenged me.

First, I was challenged by the comparison of a church seeking a pastor to the Israelites trapped by the Red Sea. It has been too easy for me to minimize the overwhelming challenge faced by churches seeking a pastor. As the author outlined the responsibilities that fall to pastoral search committees, my perspective began to change. Any search committee that reads this book will begin to feel like the Israelites.

Second, I was challenged by the discourse on biblical sermons. At first I expected to be bored by an elementary treatment of this subject. However, I grew uncomfortable as I imagined the author or a committee he tutored listening to one of my sermons.

Perhaps most challenging to me were chapters 10 & 11. The "Principles for Interviewing" and "Suggested Interview Questions" should frighten prospective pastors into a rigorous spiritual fitness program. There are things we will want to get in order before facing that type of interview. And yet I think those kinds of interviews need to be taking place as part of a pastoral search process.

[John]

A good solid book for a very particular, but important issue for local churches. Sometimes, it's a little unclear who the audience is in this book: elders, church committees, pastors (?). Obviously, the benefit of this book is to inform how a pastoral search committee should go about its work. But is the book for elders to read, then instruct the committee? Do committee members read it? I suppose the answer can include all, but it's not always clear. Without a clear audience, I'm not sure how much the book suffers, but it certainly would make it more pointed.

Nevertheless, Brauns offers a book like no other. Literally, I don't know of another book that tackles the same issue or (if there is) tackles it so biblically. Brauns has a solid understanding of what biblical preaching and shepherding looks like, along with years of understanding search committees. Therefore, the book has some packed-in wisdom for not only local churches looking for pastors, but – surprisingly! – those on the other side of this process, the candidate.

[Paul Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

A concise guide to the principles of looking for a new Senior Pastor. It is helpful in unclogging some of the whimsical criteria we might bring to the table as a search committee. It brings focus to looking for someone who correctly handles the Word of God by forcing the search committee to do more of that themselves. It's not an exhaustive guide however, as shepherding and prayer qualities are not brought to the fore, so I would not suggest using it as a SOLE source of guidance but as a primer to get you started.

[Dan Sudfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very helpful and practical book. Although geared more to someone searching for a preaching pastor, I found it to contain some good principles as we seek an Associate. As an added bonus, me being a senior pastor, I received some great tips on the work of preaching and sermon preparation. The author's concern that candidates be strong in the area of biblical preaching is definitely the strength of this book.

[Davey Ermold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief and easy-to-read, Brauns' book for pastoral search committees is a helpful guide for congregants that are asked to serve in this manner. The main emphasis is placed on the expository sermon, and rightfully so: What is the expository sermon? How do you know the sermon was expository?

There's also a chapter with thirty questions that should come up in one way or another with any successful candidate.

Worth the money, and the day to read it!

[Ken Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching for a Shepherd

Having served in vocational ministry, I have often taken for granted that church folk are aware of this information. Often times they are not.
This is a very helpful book, suitable for most churches that find themselves searching for their next Pastor or staff-member. It would also be helpful for church members who seek to better understand and appreciate the pastoral office.

[Brian Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

- PRAY: "If your church can remember the impossibility of succeeding on their own, then you will be a people of prayer during your search for a pastor" (p. 31)

- WORD: "The foundational way Christians make decisions is by growing in wisdom through the Word" (p. 39)

- UNITY

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very strong and Biblical treatise on the importance of selecting a pastor and the centrality of the Word of God. Highly recommended.

[Brian Algie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended for any pastoral search committee. Try reading it as a team early on in the search.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for elders, pastor search committees, or prospective pastors who want to pull the curtain back and peak at how a church should conduct their pastor search

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for pastoral search teams!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!