On Question Asking, Job Interviews, and Raised Inflections, You Know?
Do you like asking questions? I wonder if you like asking questions more or less than me? What sorts of questions do you like to ask?
Do you have particular questions you like asking at job interviews, or when you meet new people, or when the conversation lags?
A recent success of mine was: if you could do anything in the world other than what you do now, what would you do? This resulted in some great dinner table conversation among some folks who did not know each other well, you know? Any other big favorite or fall backs for you? Does your work allow you situations to particularly ask questions? I wonder if you are careful in pastoral care situations to ask, or not to ask probing questions?
Do you have a list of questions for job interviews? Would you be willing to share it, or put some of your favorites in the comments below?
I wonder if your list has any of these on it?
- I’ve read what your forms says you want, but what do you want in a new pastor?
- I’ve heard it said, “It’s the congregation’s job not to want to change.” What do you think?
- How much time do you envision a pastor spending on each of these tasks?
- What’s the first thing you want the person who fills this position to do?
- Is there something your congregation is particularly passionate about?
- What’s one thing your congregation does not do well?
- What does the church hope to be doing in 5 years? 10 years?
- What is the understanding of Lord’s Day worship in the life of your congregation?
- What is your church known for in your community?
- If I asked a person in town about your church, what would they tell me?
- What do you want me not to ask?
So what have you always wanted to ask but haven’t? What should be added to this list? What do you think?
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Not sure how to word it, but certainly: how well does the PNC reflect the feelings of the congregation? I’ve seen several cases where the PNC wanted the new pastor to do/be a certain thing/way and the majority of the congregation was not on board.
I would ask them what they see as your first 2 or 3 priorities when you start working. And then ask them how they envision being your support once you are there and installed.
I like the question about what would someone in the community say about your church.
Also liked the question about what community would ask. Might add “what do you want me to ask?” and “what do/did you expect me to ask about that I didn’t ask about?” And “how does/do your CIF/dreams for a pastor differ now from the last time you searched for a pastor? Why/how/why not?” You get the idea.
Two of my favorite questions for a variety of occasions – what do you do well (what went well) and what might you want to do (wish had been done) differently?
Thanks, folks. I may add, “How would you rate the quality of your potlucks?”
I like asking churches what is the central event of their church calendar? I know Easter is the good liturgical answer, but I push them on what is really the heart of their year – the summer mission trip? The reunion/homecoming in the fall? The big Spring fundraising drive? The Christmas party? The pastor’s summer sermon series? It’s interesting how they answer – exploring that space between what they perceive as the “should” and what they express as the “really.”
I also like to ask “if you had to choose….” questions, like if you had to choose Christmas Eve worship service or the summer mission trip, which would you give up? Vacation Bible School or adult Sunday school? Your building or half the membership?
I’m a liturgical junkie, so I sometimes also ask about favorite/definitive hymn or song.
you might think about rephrasing the “one thing” portion of questions. I’ve found folks stumble over that because they can’t rank their answers. Hope that makes sense. Great questions Adam.
I like to ask:
“When your CIF says, ‘clothing optional’”, what exactly does that mean?”
PNCs love that.
adam, blair LOVES to ask questions. in fact, he has a whole blog where that is all he does: vulpinemind.blogspot.com hope you enjoy it.
What hopes do people have for the next pastor? (Often reflects both the best in the previous pastor and the areas of perceived failure in previous pastor.)
What are some of the biggest changes and challenges of the past few years (in the congregation)?
What are the biggest questions/challenges looming for the congregation in the next few years?
Online statistics will tell you much about the congregation – how many are enrolled in Sunday School, attendance, membership and giving over the previous 11 years, etc.
It’s important to show you are interested enough in them to look up their statistics, so a question based on what you see there is very good.
Something the statistics don’t say has to do with previous pastors. There are certain pastors in the memory of those present, who were very well loved. You can ask what it was about previous pastors that people appreciated. I find it informative to ask the length of recent pastorates. It’s generally not ideal to follow a 20 year pastorate, because the whole congregation is going to expect you to be just like that pastor. But for a first call this isn’t necessarily bad, as the average first call is less than 3 years – which then becomes an unintentional interim.
It’s informative if the congregations hasn’t had a single pastorate of more than 7 years during the past 30 years. If the pastorates average about 3-4 years, then that is going to be tough water to sail in, as folks generally aren’t accepting of change (get rid of anyone suggesting change).
Some of the questions you’ve proposed are ones which unnecessarily rachet up anxiety. You cannot meet all the things that the folks want in a pastor. And you don’t want to put yourself in the position of trying to be what the congregation wants. You are who you are – so let them know who you are. You aren’t looking for a job – you are seeking a call.
I also agree that you don’t ask “what ONE thing”… First ask what are some major/important things, then if it isn’t clear, ask which is probably the biggest item.
As I look back at your proposed questions, I’m thinking most of them should be asked of the Session – rather than the PNC.
I’d suggest being pastoral in visits with the PNC. Be interested in those present, asking about their backgrounds: employment, how long in the congregation, in what capacities they’ve served the congregation, their hopes for the future of the congregation (with or without you), etc.
Thanks, DennisS. This also has me thinking how questions are very different for associate/specialized positions. And, of course, it’s all actually determined by the context.
@Kerri, thanks for that — I completely agree; don’t like “one thing” or “favorite” questions. Good reminder.