what questions do you ask when interviewing for a new position?

[jonesl78]

I was just browsing the net and found this list of questions from another forum. These are some pretty deep questions

My friend is recording his last album for his record deal soon and believes that God is calling him back to full time worship pastoring. He is extremely gifted and radiates a heart of worship--love the guy. We were talking recently about the most important questions to ask a prospective church in the interview process. I thought--I should take this to my favorite forum!

So......you tell me: what are the most important things to know going into a new church? Are there ways to ask questions to have a better chance of fewer suprises?

Here are some of mine--in no particular order:
1. Which ethic is more important to this church, inclusion or excellence?
2. What is the primary purpose of worship?
3. Describe the financial health of the church and how is money handled.
4. What level of moral accountability is expected of staff?
5. What role does technology play in the present and future of this church?
6. What does "excellence" look like at this church?
7. Who do I ultimately answer to on staff?
8. How much preparation should go into worship leading?
9. What is the senior pastor's role in publically/privately supporting the worship pastor & vice versa?
10. How often does the senior pastor take vacations?  seriously....

I could keep going, but I want to hear from you! What are your questions?[/i]

[tobiustobi1]

So......you tell me: what are the most important things to know going into a new church? Are there ways to ask questions to have a better chance of fewer suprises?

Hi there, this is a very good topic.  But to answer the last question, I believe that before you do anything of course...sit under that particular WORD ministry and not get involved, just sit in the services in the back and just WATCH and PRAY...after a while you will know if this is the ministry you want to get involved with or NOT.

NEVER rush into anything!  I'm currently reading this book: http://www.amazon.com/Ministry-Gifts-Fifteen-Lessons-Spiritual/dp/0892760737/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234253476&sr=8-1 and one thing that blared off the pages at me was this statement...."SEEING A NEED IS NOT A CALL TO THE MINISTRY OR A MINISTRY!"....please do not get involved in a Ministry especially when you see how you can BETTER that department and that they NEED somebody...as that is unscriptural.

"It is easy to call yourself into something, but that doesn't make you that something.  You can sit in a garage and call yourself a car, but that doesn't make you one.  You can call yourself a pastor, but that doesn't make you one.  You can call yourself an Apostle, but that doesn't make you one."

"The proof of the pudding is in the eating.  In other words, the ministry to which you are called will be evident in your life.  You will have the divine enablement or endowment to stand in the office to which you are called."

"If we are not careful, we slip into the attitude of the Church in general that seeing a NEED is a call.  This is not scriptural.  There is a divine call, given by God alone."

"Naturally, as Christians, anytime we see a need, we are concerned about that need and will endeavor with all the ability we have to minister to that need.  That is scripturally correct--But it is not to be confused with the divine call to the ministry."

Back to the matter at hand....BEGIN TO JOURNAL YOUR THOUGHTS, QUESTIONS, CONCERNS about this particular ministry/church, no matter how BIG or SMALL you think they are.  You do not want to regret it 3 or 6 months down the road.  Just Do It!

Every situation and individual is different.  What might suit me, may not suit you.  Make sure your concerns are addressed to that particular Corporation/Institution/Ministry.

Hope that helped