Is the search for a pastor like being assigned a freshman college roommate?
No. No one makes assignments and our expectations are radically different. Is the search like looking for a new position or officer in a company? That is both yes and no. There needs to be a balance between what a candidate offers and what an organization needs so that both grow. In our process, there is a strong element of sensing God at work in our interactions and relying on prayer. Is searching for a pastor a little like dating? Yes. It is complex, intricate, and involves two parties in a profound way. Two people need to be similar or complement each other in very central or core areas. Goals, dreams, and personalities need to be compatible. Relationships grow over time and trust develops. Sometimes, the realization that ‘this is the one’ happens quickly, but it can also evolve more methodically. Some of the same dating questions apply: ‘what would a shared future be like?’, ‘are my best traits encouraged?’ and ‘do God’s blessings saturate this relationship?’ There are many fine pa
