Questions to Ask a Potential Pastor
Essential questions to evaluate a pastor's theology, leadership style, and fit for your spiritual community.
1What is your understanding of salvation and how someone becomes a Christian?
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What is your understanding of salvation and how someone becomes a Christian?
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Why this works
Reveals their core theological beliefs about the most fundamental aspect of Christian faith and doctrine.
2How do you approach biblical interpretation and what role does context play?
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How do you approach biblical interpretation and what role does context play?
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Why this works
Shows their hermeneutical approach and whether they consider historical, cultural, and literary context in teaching.
3What is your view on the role of women in church leadership and ministry?
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What is your view on the role of women in church leadership and ministry?
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Why this works
Addresses gender equality in church leadership and reveals their stance on complementarian vs. egalitarian theology.
4How do you handle controversial or difficult topics in your preaching?
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How do you handle controversial or difficult topics in your preaching?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their courage in addressing challenging subjects and their approach to pastoral care during controversy.
5What is your philosophy on church growth and evangelism?
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What is your philosophy on church growth and evangelism?
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Why this works
Reveals their priorities between numerical growth, spiritual depth, and community outreach strategies.
6How do you handle conflict within the congregation?
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How do you handle conflict within the congregation?
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Why this works
Shows their conflict resolution skills and approach to maintaining unity while addressing difficult issues.
7What is your approach to pastoral counseling and confidentiality?
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What is your approach to pastoral counseling and confidentiality?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of pastoral care boundaries and how they handle sensitive personal information.
8How do you balance church administration with spiritual leadership?
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How do you balance church administration with spiritual leadership?
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Why this works
Shows their ability to manage both practical church operations and spiritual shepherding responsibilities.
9What is your view on social justice and the church's role in addressing societal issues?
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What is your view on social justice and the church's role in addressing societal issues?
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Why this works
Reveals their stance on the church's engagement with social, political, and cultural issues beyond spiritual matters.
10How do you approach different generations and their varying needs in the church?
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How do you approach different generations and their varying needs in the church?
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Why this works
Shows their ability to minister to diverse age groups and adapt their approach to different life stages.
11What is your philosophy on church discipline and restoration?
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What is your philosophy on church discipline and restoration?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to maintaining church standards while showing grace and facilitating spiritual restoration.
12How do you handle theological disagreements within the congregation?
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How do you handle theological disagreements within the congregation?
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Why this works
Shows their ability to foster unity while allowing for theological diversity and respectful disagreement.
13What is your approach to prayer and spiritual formation in the church?
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What is your approach to prayer and spiritual formation in the church?
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Why this works
Reveals their priorities for spiritual development and how they encourage congregational spiritual growth.
14How do you handle the church's finances and stewardship?
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How do you handle the church's finances and stewardship?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to financial transparency, accountability, and teaching about biblical stewardship.
15What is your view on the role of technology and modern methods in ministry?
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What is your view on the role of technology and modern methods in ministry?
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Why this works
Reveals their balance between traditional ministry approaches and modern technological tools for outreach.
16How do you approach interdenominational relationships and cooperation?
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How do you approach interdenominational relationships and cooperation?
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Why this works
Shows their stance on working with other Christian traditions and their approach to denominational differences.
17What is your philosophy on church membership and what it requires?
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What is your philosophy on church membership and what it requires?
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Why this works
Reveals their expectations for church membership and how they define commitment to the local church body.
18How do you handle your own spiritual growth and accountability?
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How do you handle your own spiritual growth and accountability?
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Why this works
Shows their personal spiritual disciplines and how they maintain their own spiritual health while serving others.
19What is your vision for this church in the next five years?
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What is your vision for this church in the next five years?
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Why this works
Reveals their long-term goals, priorities, and how they plan to lead the congregation forward.
20How do you approach pastoral care during times of crisis or tragedy?
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How do you approach pastoral care during times of crisis or tragedy?
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Why this works
Shows their ability to provide comfort, guidance, and spiritual support during the most difficult times in people's lives.
Best Practices for Pastor Evaluation
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Ask Follow-Up Questions
Don't accept surface-level answers. Ask for specific examples and how they've handled similar situations in the past.
Consider Your Church's Needs
Evaluate how their answers align with your congregation's specific challenges, demographics, and spiritual goals.
Observe Their Character
Pay attention to how they treat staff, volunteers, and congregants during the interview process and interactions.
Question Sequences
The Theological Foundation Sequence
The Leadership Style Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Theology
While doctrine is important, also evaluate their character, leadership skills, and ability to relate to your congregation.
Avoid Leading Questions
Ask open-ended questions that allow them to express their genuine beliefs rather than questions that suggest the 'right' answer.
Don't Rush the Process
Take time to observe them in different settings and get input from various church members before making a decision.