Placement :: Resources

PDF Documents
 
 How Can Our Church Search for a Pastor?
 
 How Does an EFCA Pastor Search for a New Ministry Position?
 
 How Does a Non-EFCA Pastor Inquire About Ministry Within the NCD?
         [PDF document - Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader]

Websites
 
 The EFCA placement website is www.MinisterConnection.net. (Non-EFCA pastors: read the document above before enrolling on MinisterConnection)

 
 There are a number of websites that serve churches and individuals in ministry placement. These include the placement sections of many evangelical seminary and Bible college websites, and the following: John Cionca’s website www.ministrytransitions.org has some very helpful resources.

Books
 
 The following books can be obtained through NextStep Resources at www.nsresources.com (800-444-2665).

For pastoral search committees:
  • In Search of a Leader by Robert W. Dingman
     
     The scope of this book is broader than a pastoral search committee, but it is helpful nevertheless. If your church’s search committee has not yet been formed, check out chapter 3 of this book for valuable suggestions on how to form it.
     
  • The Right Pastor by Wes Johnson
     
     A systematic, detailed strategy and method for the pastoral search process written by a wise veteran of EFCA ministry.
     
  • Confirming the Pastoral Call by Joseph Umidi
     
     Practical, helpful insights for both churches and candidates.
     
  • How to Choose a Youth Pastor by Paul Borthwick
     
     Very useful in the search for a youth pastor. This book is out of print, but can be borrowed from our office by NCD churches.
     
For pastoral search candidates:
  • Confirming the Pastoral Call by Joseph Umidi
     
  • Before You Move: A Guide to Making Transitions in Ministry by John Cionca
     
     Thoroughly explores issues of pastoral transition from inward heart issues to outward planning and action.
     

Note: While the EFCA and NCD do not necessarily endorse everything in these websites or every aspect of their sponsors, these sites can be very useful in the placement process when used with care and discernment.