Isn’t it great when you are given the opportunity to hire a new staff person for a new ministry?  But you may also find yourself in the spot of replacing someone.  Here are some very important issues in hiring team members:

1.  Pray. Make sure you are proceeding in the direction the Lord has for you and your church.  For example, we have been blessed by hiring a person for a ministry area that is anticipated to grow versus hiring a person for a position when it looks like you “need” them.

2.  Review the job description or create the new one.

3.  Make an adequate and appropriate search.  Get the word out.  Contact folks in similar fields of work.

4.  Work within the constructs of your ministry in hiring, that is, use a search committee when necessary, but always team up with someone in the interviewing process.  Utilize the personnel and finance committees of your church in the process when possible.

5.  Collect resumes of candidates.  Narrow to the top 3 or so.

6.  Only interview one candidate at a time from your #1 choice on.  If there is a “no” either way, communicate this clearly.  Do not leave folks guessing or hanging on if the committee is moving on.

7.  Remember that candidates are observing the church and staff team as much as you are observing them in the interviewing process.  So, just as they are making first impressions and are working on stating objectives, goals, values, vision…you should as well.

8.  Background checks.  Get the information and do the search.

You be blessed in the hard work of a great hiring process!