Pastor Search Committee Guidebook: A Practical Guide for Churches Navigating Pastoral Transitions

The Pastor Search Committee Guidebook is a step-by-step resource designed to help churches navigate the sacred and strategic journey of calling a new pastor. Blending biblical wisdom with practical tools, this guide walks search committees through every stage of the process—from forming the team and clarifying church identity to interviewing candidates and welcoming a new pastor.

Built on real church experience and refined through years of interim and revitalization ministry, this guidebook includes:

• Guidance for using a strategic interim pastor

• Worksheets, checklists, and sample forms

• Tools for assessing church health and defining core values

• Sample compensation worksheets and pastoral covenant

• Interview prep, background check guides, and voting procedures

• Appendices for congregational surveys, pastoral gifting, and more

Whether your church is large or small, healthy or hurting, this resource equips your team to move forward in prayer, unity, and confidence. The process of calling a pastor is not just administrative—it’s spiritual. This guidebook will help your committee listen well, lead faithfully, and trust God every step of the way.