As I was preparing to leave Kidderminster and getting ready to deliver my last sermon, I was pondering, praying, wondering what God would want me to say, and I decided to go down the track of preparing them for their new pastor. I had the thought, I wonder what the congregation would say if I were to ask them, ‘what do you think a congregation needs? What do you think a pastor needs?’ and then I had the thought to do just that! Ask them! And so, I took quite a risk. I broke the congregation into groups and asked them to discuss those two questions with the bonus question of, ‘how do you think a pastor should be chosen?’ 

Congregations hardly ever get a voice accept maybe at AGMs which can descend into terrible ungodly goings on – thankfully, John and I never experienced really bad ones! My dad on the other hand, dreaded them! So, I gave the good folk at Kidderminster Elim the chance to have their say and this is what they came up with. 

Needs and wants could be interchangeable but I wanted both words used as we don’t always want what’s needed! 

The bits in BOLD are my comments, everything else came from the church.

What do you think a pastor wants?

1. To be able to feel welcomed
2. To win souls
3. A congregation that listens and participates
4. A feeling of love
5. A settled church
6. Participants not spectators
7. Commitment
8. To be part of the church family
9. Unity, not conflict
10. To be controlling – ‘my way or the high-way’ (some had experienced this)
11. A faithful congregation
12. People to give time and money
13. A comfortable building
14. Good team support
15. Financial support

What do you think a pastor needs?

1. A relationship with God (Wouldn’t you think that was a given?)
2. On-going training
3. A support team
4. To be committed and devoted
5. To be spiritually sound, a good knowledge of scripture
6. A praying church
7. To be spirit filled 
8. A plan
9. To be supported by the congregation
10. To have a listening ear/slow to judge
11. To be a people person
12. To have the character of Christ
13. To be an enabler and encourager
14. To be a pray-er (again, not a given!!)
15. To have integrity
16. To be reliable
17. To be available
18. A mentor (Critical, I believe)
19. Guidance from elders
20. People who will tell the truth
21. To be able to hear the word of God and what he wants to say 
22. Support without strings!
23. Feedback – truth in love 
24. To be released when his family is in need
25. To be led by the spirit
26. A sense of humour

What do you think a congregation wants in the church and in a pastor?

1. A place where you can feel at home
2. Peace
3. A pastor that involves the congregation
4. A pastor that recognises peoples’ gifts
5. To be settled
6. To be cared for
7. Spiritual support
8. To be listened to
9. A pastor who is interested in youth/children/families
10. Stability
11. Strong leadership
12. A transition period 
13. A belief in the power of prayer and scripture
14. A charismatic pastor
15. A confident speaker
16. Activities and events
17. Teaching series outside of Sundays

What do you think a congregation needs?

1. Access to leadership
2. A good shepherd
3. Bible Based teaching
4. A competent pastor that is knowledgeable in every aspect of the church
5. A pastor who listens
6. A long-term pastor
7. To be heard
8. To be prayerful
9. To graciously acknowledge the authority of the pastor
10. A pastor who is older than 24 but with 40 years’ experience! (haha)
11. Can communicate on all levels
12. Heart for the community
13. A pastor who will build team
14. A pastor who will make disciples
15. A pastor who is trustworthy & reliable
16. Spiritual guidance
17. To Agape one another 
18. Fellowship
19. Structure

How do you think a pastor should be chosen?

1. A pastor can be chosen internally (from inside the church) based on the person’s servitude and spiritual gifts. (I agree that this would be a great way to do it, to hand on the baton to someone who understands the vision and the culture of the church)
2. An open voting system to choose pastors by their pastoral workmanship (no-one wanted a voting system like the Baptists for example, but wanted to explore the possibility of heads of departments being involved)
3. Transition (as far as I’m aware, there is never transition. I think it would be very useful IF the outgoing pastor is leaving well, more difficult if that isn’t the case)
4. The church needs to be more involved before a decision is made. Church should meet them before they come. Constant change is not good. 
5. HQ should be more open with the church when things go wrong
6. Leadership/elders – feels good to us and the Holy Spirit
7. By God, led by Agape

I think it was a great process, the people appreciated the chance to do this and I would encourage you to do the same with your congregation if you dare! I was leaving, so it was easier!!

Until next time

D xx