How does one find a church to pastor?
 

Many denominations have some sort of system to help pastors find churches.
The UPCI has no such system. Churches seem to be "inherited" as some sort of family dynasty.

How does one get the word out about who they are and what they feel they have to offer?

When I was UPC, you could get info on openings or desired new plants through the District, especially the Dist Home Missions Director.

You could always do what Bro Tim Downs did and start a new church.

Re: How does one find a church to pastor?
 

Tim Downs

Re: How does one find a church to pastor?
 

Shouldn't it be the other way around? Churches looking for a pastor?

There is a "system". Its word of mouth. Prospective Pastors
apply and church boards decide

BTW the whole thing smacks of the Office being a vocation not a calling

Re: How does one find a church to pastor?
 

Tom Ups

Re: How does one find a church to pastor?
 

Yes, it does seem sort of "hirelingish".

So then, how does one know when a church is looking for a pastor?

Re: How does one find a church to pastor?
 

Is there an example in Scripture of a church without a pastor? Or a church 'looking to hire' a pastor? Or preachers 'trying out for the pastorship'?

Seems to me the curch should be teaching and developing its own future leadership.

As opposed to importing some preacher from outside who gets the job largely based on how good a public speaker he is.. or who he knows...

If the church developed its own leadership, then the pastor/elder/whatever would be someone most likely known to everyone in the congregation, and thus this might cut down on the potential for a scandalous 'surprise' later on down the road.

Just saying.

Re: How does one find a church to pastor?
 

Like I said, word of mouth. The General Board probably knows and passed on the info

Re: How does one find a church to pastor?
 

Pray and ask the Lord to open the doors if you feel you are led to minister in that way... and in the meantime, don't be shy about starting a bible study/fellowship group in your own home or meeting place in your town...

I agree 1000%!

HOWEVER, (lol) it doesn't always work out that way, even when you try.

If, for example, your church is affiliated with the UPCI, the District Board will get involved. My father found this out the hard way when he tried to retire and pass the church on to a young man who grew up in the church.

The area Presbyter stepped in, demanded we have several ministers come in and "try out" before holding a vote. The young man withdrew, and the vote went to the close friend of the Presbyter....who the next year ran for District Superintendent.

I'm not saying he helped get his guy installed for an extra vote....well, yes, yes I am. :lol