Discovery serves as the cornerstone of our Pastor Search Blueprint. Our discovery process includes an on-site visit with key leaders and the hiring team, comprehensive surveys, and relational learning sessions. We aim to understand the unique story of your church. Who are you as a congregation? Context is paramount. What defines your culture? What is your mission, and who do you require to lead you towards that mission?

• Clarity - we strive to define the desired outcomes and communicate the exact steps required to achieve our goals. Each specific step along the way will be clearly outlined.

• Survey - Through questionnaires and in-depth interviews with your Elders, Staff, and Search Team, we seek to familiarize ourselves with your story, culture, and place.

• Profile - Together, we craft a Leadership Profile for the opportunity, serving as a baseline for potential candidates.

This comprehensive process sets the stage for the entire search journey. Throughout the discovery phase, we collectively gain clarity on the leadership required.

"Success begins with a great process!"

Upon completion of the Discovery phase, we initiate and execute a national search employing a deeply relational and thorough evaluation process, including interviews, questionnaires, and 360 references, to identify top-tier candidates. This process utilizes layers of progressively deeper interviews and conversations with viable candidates.

Our search approach is proactive. Leveraging our network of ministry leaders and churches, we identify vibrant and healthy pastors. Great leaders recognize great leaders - we engage in numerous conversations on your behalf to find the ideal leader for your church. While email lists, social media posts, and databases prove helpful, we truly "search" for your next pastor by engaging in meaningful conversations with esteemed leaders!

Candidates undergo strategic evaluation across several key areas:

• Competency & Capacity - Does the leader possess the requisite gifts and abilities to effectively lead your church? Does their leadership align with the size and scope of the role?

• Chemistry & Culture - Will the leader integrate well within the culture of your church and community? Will they assimilate well with your existing ministry team?

• Character & Calling - Is the leader a person of character, growing in the likeness of Christ? Are they grounded in the Word of God? Do they demonstrate love for people? Together, we discern if the leader is called to lead your congregation.

We impose no limits on the number of candidates presented or the timeframe for their presentation. Upon identifying final candidates, we embark on a thorough and robust vetting process, including face-to-face interviews, on-site visits, reference checks, background screenings, and education verifications.

Final candidates are evaluated against three components of pastoral calling:

• Shepherd - Is this Pastor called by God to love and shepherd your people?

• Communicator - Can the Pastor effectively teach the Word of God in your context? Are they adept communicators?

• Leader - Does the Pastor possess the ability to lead your church with vision towards mission?

Additionally, we initiate the final selection and affirmation process as outlined in your church’s governing documents. Our process includes assistance with creating the Offer Letter and facilitating salary and compensation negotiations. We make ourselves available as much or as little as your context necessitates.

Throughout each phase of the search, we lean heavily into prayer and discernment, relying on God to guide our steps towards leaders who deeply know and love Jesus while diligently assessing candidates.

For a comprehensive presentation of our process or further questions, please schedule a call with us at your convenience.