Theological Questions to Ask a Pastoral Candidate
Essential theological questions to ask a pastoral candidate to understand their beliefs, approach to ministry, and fit with your congregation.
1What is your understanding of the nature and authority of Scripture?
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What is your understanding of the nature and authority of Scripture?
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Why this works
Critical for understanding their view of biblical authority and how they approach the interpretation and application of Scripture.
2What is your understanding of the Trinity and the nature of God?
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What is your understanding of the Trinity and the nature of God?
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Why this works
Essential for understanding their theological foundation and whether they hold orthodox Christian beliefs about God's nature.
3What is your understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ?
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What is your understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ?
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Why this works
Important for understanding their Christology and whether they hold orthodox beliefs about Jesus' divinity and humanity.
4What is your understanding of salvation and the work of the Holy Spirit?
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What is your understanding of salvation and the work of the Holy Spirit?
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Why this works
Critical for understanding their soteriology and pneumatology and whether they align with your congregation's beliefs.
5What is your understanding of the church and its mission?
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What is your understanding of the church and its mission?
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Why this works
Essential for understanding their ecclesiology and whether their vision for the church aligns with your congregation's mission.
6What is your understanding of eschatology and the end times?
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What is your understanding of eschatology and the end times?
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Why this works
Important for understanding their view of the end times and whether it aligns with your congregation's beliefs.
7What is your approach to biblical interpretation and hermeneutics?
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What is your approach to biblical interpretation and hermeneutics?
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Why this works
Critical for understanding how they interpret Scripture and whether their approach aligns with your congregation's methodology.
8What is your understanding of the role of women in ministry?
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What is your understanding of the role of women in ministry?
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Why this works
Essential for understanding their view on women in ministry and whether it aligns with your congregation's position.
9What is your understanding of the relationship between faith and culture?
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What is your understanding of the relationship between faith and culture?
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Why this works
Important for understanding how they approach cultural issues and whether their approach aligns with your congregation's values.
10What are the most important theological issues facing the church today?
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What are the most important theological issues facing the church today?
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Why this works
Critical for understanding their awareness of current theological challenges and how they approach them.
11What are the most important factors in choosing a pastoral candidate?
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What are the most important factors in choosing a pastoral candidate?
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Why this works
Essential for understanding what they consider most important in pastoral leadership and whether they align with your congregation's needs.
12What are the most common theological mistakes pastors make?
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What are the most common theological mistakes pastors make?
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Why this works
Important for understanding their awareness of common theological pitfalls and how they avoid them.
13What are the most important things to consider when building theological unity?
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What are the most important things to consider when building theological unity?
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Why this works
Critical for understanding their approach to building theological consensus and whether they can work with your congregation.
14What are the most important things to consider when addressing theological differences?
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What are the most important things to consider when addressing theological differences?
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Why this works
Essential for understanding their approach to theological diversity and whether they can handle differences constructively.
15What are the most important things to consider when teaching theology?
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What are the most important things to consider when teaching theology?
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Why this works
Important for understanding their approach to theological education and whether they can effectively teach your congregation.
16What are the most important things to consider when building theological community?
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What are the most important things to consider when building theological community?
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Why this works
Critical for understanding their approach to building theological community and whether they can foster unity.
17What are the most important things to consider when addressing theological questions?
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What are the most important things to consider when addressing theological questions?
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Why this works
Essential for understanding their approach to theological inquiry and whether they can handle difficult questions.
18What are the most important things to consider when building theological leadership?
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What are the most important things to consider when building theological leadership?
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Why this works
Important for understanding their approach to theological leadership and whether they can lead your congregation theologically.
19What are the most important things to consider when addressing theological challenges?
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What are the most important things to consider when addressing theological challenges?
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Why this works
Critical for understanding their approach to theological challenges and whether they can handle difficult situations.
20What are the most important things to consider when building theological growth?
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What are the most important things to consider when building theological growth?
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Why this works
Essential for understanding their approach to theological development and whether they can help your congregation grow theologically.
Evaluating Pastoral Candidates Theologically
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Before Your Interview
Understand Your Congregation's Beliefs
Clearly identify your congregation's theological position and what you're looking for in a pastor. This will help you ask the right questions.
Prepare Your Questions
Don't rely on spontaneous questions. Prepare a list of thoughtful theological questions that cover all important areas of belief.
During Your Interview
Key Topics to Cover
Common Mistakes
Don't Focus Only on Agreement
While theological alignment is important, also focus on their ability to lead, teach, and build community. A pastor who can't lead effectively won't help your congregation.
Don't Ignore Practical Ministry Skills
While theology is important, also consider their practical ministry skills, leadership ability, and ability to connect with your congregation.