10 Tips on What to Say in a Pastoral Interview
A guide to clarity, conviction, and calling when stepping into pastoral candidacy.
A pastoral interview is not about impressing a committee. It is about clarity, conviction, and calling. Churches are not looking for polished answers alone. They are asking whether you are called, qualified, and fit to shepherd them.
Your goal is not to perform. Your goal is to be faithful, honest, and biblically grounded. The Lord will provide and make it clear one way or another whether this is the right fit. Don't feel the need to force it or that your performance on the day of the interview is the sole factor in whether you get the job. That said, here are some practical tips to think about for your pastoral interview:
1. Speak Clearly About Your Calling
You will likely be asked something to the effect of, "How did you know you were called to ministry?"
- Do you have a growing internal desire to preach and shepherd?
- Have you had external affirmation from church leaders?
- Is there evidence of fruit in teaching and discipling?
- Do you have a willingness to suffer for the sake of the church?
Calling is confirmed by character and competence, not just desire. It's important that you have come to this conclusion not just because you went through seminary but because you are indeed called to the ministry in the fullest sense.
2. Articulate Your Theology with Conviction and Charity
Be prepared to speak clearly on:
- The authority and sufficiency of Scripture
- The gospel and justification by faith
- The nature of the church
- Church membership and discipline
- Baptism and the Lord's Supper
- Eldership and church governance
- The role of men and women in ministry
- The mission of the church
You don't necessarily need to have all of the answers when it comes to every issue for these bullet points, but it is important that the church understands your convictions.
3. Explain Your Philosophy of Ministry
You should be able to answer:
- What is the primary task of the pastor?
- What makes a healthy church?
- How does discipleship happen?
- What is the role of preaching?
- How should the church engage its community?
How has your views on this changed over time and why? How will you help lead others who aren't on the same page? Theology is imporant, but that works itself out in how ministry happens. Be ready to talk through these practical aspects of ministry.
4. Be Honest About Weaknesses
Share real areas where you have grown. Demonstrate humility and repentance. Churches are not looking for perfection, they are looking for maturity. Your weaknesses will come out and continue to do so as time goes on in the ministry. Hopefully the Lord will strengthen and grow you by his Spirit but it's best to share openly and honestly with the potential church leadership.
5. Speak About Conflict with Wisdom
Has there been any conflict in churches you've been a part of in the past? How did you handle it? What did you learn from it?
- Do not blame former churches
- Do not portray yourself as the victim
- Take responsibility where appropriate
- Show how you pursued peace and biblical resolution
Conflict is inevitable. If you haven't seen it or been a part of it, then you just haven't been in ministry for long enough. Show how you can humbly and respectfully navigate conflict and work through it with the church leadership.
6. Clarify Your View of Leadership
Speak about:
- Shared leadership and accountability
- Plurality of elders (if applicable)
- Your view of shepherding the flock.
7. Share Your Love for the Church
- Shepherding individuals
- Visiting the sick
- Biblical counseling
- Discipling young believers
- Walking with the grieving
Preaching is central, but pastoring is certainly more than just preaching. Speak to the duties you expect as a pastor and ask their expectations for what they expect of you.
8. Ask Thoughtful Questions
- What expectations exist for the next pastor?
- How do they defined a "healthy" church?
- What are the current spiritual strengths and weaknesses?
- What conflicts have shaped this church?
- What does membership look like in this church?
9. Avoid Overpromising
Do not promise rapid growth or sweeping reforms. Faithful ministry takes time. Speak about patience, prayer, and steady shepherding. Take the long view.
10. Remember This Is Mutual Discernment
This is not just them evaluating you. You are discerning whether this is where the Lord would have you serve. It is better to walk away than to enter a ministry out of compulsion. It's okay to walk away if you don't feel like it's the right fit. It's okay if they don't think it's the right fit too. The Lord is sovereign and will continue to direct your steps in all that you do.