27 questions every leader should ask before taking a new job

Charles Stone May 11, 2023

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When a pastor (or any leader) considers a move to a new church setting or any leader considers a new job, he or she should do whatever is possible to define reality. As Max Dupree, leadership guru and writer said, "The first job of a leader is to define reality."

When I've considered a new ministry change, I've sought answers to key questions. And over the years I've compiled this list of 27 questions to ask a search committee and/or your future boss. If you're moving into a non-ministry setting, you'll want to tailor your questions to your unique setting.

1. Why me? What about me interested your committee?

2. What stories of God's moving do people still tell?

3. What's not going well that needs changing or needs to go?

4. What are the burning issues?

5. What are the biggest obstacles facing the church?

6. What's missing?

7. What significant events, both successes and traumas, have marked your church's history?

8. How has your church responded to traumas and crises?

9. How would your community describe the church?

10. What do you most hope that I will do?

11. What are you most concerned I might do?

12. What are the major obstacles I will face?

13. What ministries are struggling? Which ones are shining?

14. What will be deemed a success under my leadership?

15. How do you see the church in 1, 3, 5 years? What kind of growth do you expect?

16. Describe how you see our working relationship.

17. What should I focus on? What should be my priorities?

18. How is the current staff morale?

19. What is your expectation for my spouse?

20. What were the previous pastor's strengths and weaknesses?

21. How was his or her relationship with the staff and board?

22. What do you wish he had done differently?

23. What problems seem to recur in your church?

24. Does the church have any deep, dark secrets?

25. Have any sins persisted in the staff or leadership?

26. How would you describe the church's tolerance for change?

27. What has caused recent people to leave?

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Charles Stone coaches and equips pastors and teams to effectively navigate the unique challenges ministry brings. By blending biblical principles with cutting-edge brain-based practices he helps them enhance their leadership abilities, elevate their preaching/ teaching skills, and prioritize self-care. A pastor for over 42 years, he has served as a lead pastor, associate pastor, and church planter. He published seven books, and over 300 of his articles have appeared on various Christian leadership websites. He holds four earned academic degrees, including a D.Min. and a Ph.D. Learn More »

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