Church search questions

Questions to ask local pastors while in process of finding a local church to join

Importance of church research.

First, there is a lot of false teaching that has created false churches, and even been infultrating/infecting churches in recent years (2011-2023+), and has gotten worse. So you have to pick a church wisely now. 

Second, worldly culture has also invaded the church and one has to be wise in picking a church today. We have created a list of questions to ask prospective pastors by phone or email, to help you find the best one available in your area. You can supplement with daily studies at gty.org, and lwf.org in addition to your daily quiet time with God: daily Bible reading & prayer. 

Need to find a church? Currently there’s a few good sites you can sift through:

founders.org/church-search 

tms.edu/find-a-church

*if there's no church in your area contact tms and ask for the closest church to your zipcode. Then contact that pastor and ask for a best recommendations for your area, (about 5 churches). Even if you have to drive 20- 40 min to an hour to get there. 

Research churches 

Here are a list of questions to ask, to weed out bad churches. Getting feedback by email is easier to quickly sort through. But to ensure the pastor answers the questions and not the secretary... call and ask to speak to the pastor. If they say the "pastor or copastor" is a woman, politely end the call. You can just say, "oh. that is ok, thank you." And hang up & mark that church off the "potential church" list. When you are connected to a pastor Tell him you are looking for a new church and would like to send him an email with some questions. Ask for his email. Make sure you spelled it right, and thank him. Also say you appreciate his time, and exit the call. Try to send this on Monday so he can try to get it to you by Sunday.

*top half of the below can be copy paste into the email. The bottom half shows you what their answers should be. 

And below that are questions to send to the elders and decons. Before deciding on a church. Since your membership puts you under their authority. 

Essential Questions To Help You Find A Solid Church

These are top questions to ask a pastor that will help you find a Biblical church. 

Some questions are specific to the pastor, others will need to be asked (on a diff call) of the Elder or head decon, and youth leader

Link to copy the new questions for sending in email. 

The below responses are now under construction until this sentence is deleted. 

Dear Pastor John,

I am following up on our call related to my current search for a new local church. Here are the questions I mentioned on the phone. There are a few, so short responses are fine and appreciated. 

0. Is this a church campus or a individual stand alone church? 

1. What is man's biggest problem: sin or self-esteem?

2. What must a person do to inherit eternal life?

3. Do you believe in & teach a literal six day creation?

4. Do you believe in a literal hell and eternal punishment?

4. Do you believe the Bible contains "errors"?

5. Do you teach cessationism or continuationism of spiritual gifts?

5. Do you or the church promote Social Justice and CRT, DEI, ESG views?

6. Do you believe women can be Preachers?

7. Do you have any female decons? 

8. Are there any women in "higher" roles in the church? (Co-pastor, decon, elder, Sunday school teacher who is teaching over men, a worship leader, anyone who has a prominent role in front of the congregation)

💥8a. Do you hold the same belief as Alistair that a woman can preach from the pulpit on Sunday if the elders approve of it?

9. Were you born male and are living as a male?

10. Are you a straight man or do you have bi, gender fluid, transgender or other sexuality/identification?  If so what. 

9. What is your view on gays, transgenders & lgbt and the other identities, including (such as) furries and trans species? 

*For, or against, but still care about their souls? 

*See them only as wicked people?

Explain a little bit.

10. A What is your view of gender prefered pronouns?

B. How do you suggest your members respond to people asking to be called xyz pronoun? Do you teach that using such prefered pronouns cause Christians to "lie" & therefore to regularly sin against God? And, how do you suggest believers deal with this issue in the workplace?

11. Do you preach about sin in sermons (typically) regularly?

12A. How do you share the salvation message at the pulpit? 1. Do you? 2. Is it in the message. 3. Is it a call at the end of the service. And pls share, What is your condensed typical "gospel message"?

B.  what would be a "short generic gospel" would you say if having a conversation with a non believer in public. 

13. How hard is it to become a Christian?

14. How often do you talk about sin, righteousness, and judgment, in the pulpit?

15. How seeker-sensitive is your church?

16. How do you handle complex theology in your sermons?

17. What is your mixture of topical vs. expository preaching?

18. Describe your evangelism programs.

A. What kind of Evangelism material do you all use? 

B. Name some top ministries you use or are ok with the congregants utilizing or pointing them to.

C. Does your church have a local outreach group? 

19. What church growth model do you follow?

20. Finances for giving. 

A. How much do you give to missions 

B.Does the church finances actively help the needy folks in the membership?

B2What is the helps and policy of the church beyond helping the elderly widows, regarding if a church member has a legitimate financial need? 

B3 Most churches use part of the budget to help believers or know ministries, or theres folk who know money God has given them is for the Lord's use, and they have made themselves known to the pastor. 

B4 Please share with me the church's position and ableness to provide for those folk, or connect them with appropriate places and people. 

🌟20. Do you have a discipleship course for new believers

21. When you distribute the Lord's Supper, do you emphasize the need to examine ones'self?

B. Do you offer grape juice as alternative for those who do not drink or are allergic? 

22. Can a person who is living in a willful and persistent, unrepentant lifestyle of sin inherit eternal life?

23. Does your church exercise church discipline?

24. Do you preach politics? 

>is it a main chunk of what you talk about, or do you lightly touch on it where needed when a social or moral topic is in a sermon.

>do you mostly avoid it unless it is directly related to a sin topic.

>would you say you are conservative, or liberal? (If moderate, state liberal)

A. Do you preach based one party view, or are neutral? 

B. Do you preach with that view on Scripture(?), (which today likely leans conservative, in many instances). 

25. What do you believe about abortion? 

>& Is it murder, & ends a human life made by God? 

26. Among these, who did you vote for Obama, Hillary, Biden, Trump? 

>After they were in office, do you still feel you made the right choices based on what they accomplished in office? 

>What were the top 5 reasons you voted for the person?

27. What do you think about Word of faith and the Prosperity teachings? 

28. What are the essentials of the Christian faith? 

29a. What criteria are used to determine if someone is qualified to be a Sunday school teacher or a youth volunteer? And what about church leaders?

B. Do you do background checks on every person who volunteers or holds a position at the church, even janitors ? If not, on who (?) 

C.Do you have a criminal background?

  1.  If so, what was it for?

  2. Was it before you became a Christian? 

  3. Are you currently involved in anything illegal, even if no one knows about it yet

D. If a member has a juvie or criminal record does the church ensure that person, even if before they were saved, does not hold any role such as children/youth and youth/teen leader or pastor, and that they are not allowed to be alone with those youth nor women without another (non offender) adult male in the room with them (at any and all situations)?

30. Is it currently policy that you ensure there's always 2 adults in the room when another person (or teen, baby, or child, girl or woman) is present? For in classes, in private convos conversations etc for accountability and safety? 

31.A. Has your church had any problems with sexual abuse? By leaders, teachers, adults, teens or kids? 

B. Have you been accused or guilty? (Either here or at previous church)

32. Describe your youth programs.

33a. What kind of ministry do you have for teens and college age. 

B. Is that ministry full of games and fun or is the focus on Scripture and Christ and raising up godly men and women. 

B1. Do you have a link to the youth ministries messages in Sunday School or youth group ministry(?) 

C. Do the teens and college age get equipped with the knowledge and teachings of Scripture to help them know the Bible & solidify their faith? 

>as part of youth group and classes, do theu specifically target to refute evolutionary teachings, and utilize examination tools (such as answers in Genesis & cold case Christianity) for investigating the truth to solidifying their faith? *So they are secure before heading out to colleges (where 90% of professors destroy their faith via deception). 

D. How many of the teens and college age students do you believe are actually saved who attend the youth dept., (whose parents are members). *And how many youth are in grade "x", high school & college ages?

34. Do you have "church guided" on campus school or home school coop among the members? Or affiliations to (& who?)

35. What's the normal number of people attending the church on Sunday?

36. Do you have a Sunday evening service, a mid week service, any in home Bible studies? 

>if yes, when... and for fellowship group studies, explain briefly. 

37. What percentage of members tithe/give cheerfully? 

38. What general/est % of members engage the church page on social media for Facebook, Twitter, youtube, Godtube, and etc?

39. Do you buy sermons, or do you spend the week in Scripture and always create a sermon based on what you are studying?

40. Are your sermons archived online at YouTube, sermons audio or archive org? 

>& Where can I access (links pls).

41. What sermon series are you currently on?

>pls include link to that series & the sermon archives.

42. What series do you plan to do next? 

43. What do you think was your worst message or series? Why, and what would you do differetly? 

44. What is the end times escatology view you preach in the pulpit? And what do the other elders, and view  Sunday School teachers hold to?

45.a What is your basic view on soteriology? Are you easy believing, whosoeverism, reformed, calvanist 3 point, 4 point, 5 point? Etc

B. Do you teach & preach that knowledge of sin is required when presenting the Gospel?

46. How does that compare with the beliefs of the majority of the members? And the elders/deacons?

47. How long have you been at this church and how long do you plan to stay? 

48. Was there a pastor search committee when you were hired? Who was the lead person on the committee? And their email address. 

48. Is this church a voting democracy where the congregation can fire you or override you at whim, or is it run by elders?

50. Are there any people (without naming them) you've become aware of that are or potentially are troubled makers who've had power in the past at this church, and may lead a grassroots effort to get rid of you? If yes, how many? And if so, are they possibly able to cause a church split? (*this wont necessarily cause me/my family to not attend, but is just something important to be aware of). 

51. Who owns the church? Certain people, A)who benefit from the buildings sale, or who? B). How is the church safe from such nefarious ones? 

52. Describe your personality. Are you down to earth, narcissist, passive aggressive, gracious & forgiving and not bitter nor grudge holding, etc, provide a decent a self description as reasonably possible. 

53. Pastor salary Qs

>How much does the church pay for your salary? Is there a housing provided in addition, or vehicle? 

> Do you believe the pay should be more(?), if so why? and are you concerened with the ability of the budget to keep paying you now and as inflation rises?

> Do you have spare time to work a side job if needed, or would you leave to a larger congregation if there was higher money, vs staying where God has planted you?

>Do most of your duties as pastor include only focusing on the sermon(s) for the week, or do you also handle lots of counseling vs outsourcing and redirecting people to certified biblical counselors? And are you expected to visit the sick, shut ins, etc of the membership vs the deacons/elders doing that and other delegated work?  

54. Does your family live nearby? Are they in the Nearest city, a nearby county or are they out of State?

55. Are you married? Tell me lightly about your spouse. Do you have children? How old are they, and if teens or adults are they all saved and living a holy life? 

56A Church Beliefs

A. Can you link your church website Statement of Faith beliefs, here. 

B. Does it deviate from the SBC faith statement of year 2000? If so, in what areas? (*general answer pls).

If you follow the 1963 version, is your church actively currently updating your statement to bring it in line with BF&M 2000 on issues of women, biblical innerancy and adding the supplemental 2023 statement on women in the church?

And what is your views on Sabbath? Is it 1. To be kept or 2. We rest in Christ.

C. What are your views on 

57. Can you link me (to access) your personal & church Facebook, Instagram... so I can get a feel for you as a person and shepherd?  And b. Pls note what the most popular social platform your members use is.

58. A.What seminary, college and university did you graduate from, and what are the degrees do you hold? 

B. If masters or Ph.D, what was your thesis and discertation on(?). And have you written any books? 

C. Do you have any interviews about you online about yourself, from the news, or your books?

D. What is the church youtube website for seemons, and what platform does your church put its sermons into audio at (Sermon index, spotify, podbean etc). 

59. If you made a list of several preachers in the area, in your denomination, that you would say are ones to follow or ones to avoid, list them and say why. 

60. Have any of the above pastors written books? Who and what is the title? 

61. What popular books:

A.  of the last couple years and of the last decade do you think Christians should avoid, and state why. Thanks. 

B. Do you recommend to people currently. And how often do you read books

B2. Do you review books on amazon and kindle? 

B3. Do you blog and list these books? 

If you blig please include the blog link, and if you review books there please include that link too. Thanks. 

62. Does this church:

A. Prepare teens with faq and solid evidences for the Christian faith, to help solidify their faith and keep them from walkung away after High School and in College? If so briefly explain and what resources do you use to do that. And how you shepherd a college bound member? If none are there at the moment, how are you and the church preparing for those who will eventually be college bound?

B. Does this church intentionally train up men to be leaders in the church? Discuss briefly. 

C. Does this church train up pastors from inside as apprentices learning under the pastor(s)?

63. Why would you say "church matters" for a member and for anyone who calls themselves a Christian? 

64. Finally: Why should we become a member of your church? 

Thank you. I appreciate your time. 

Sincerely, 

Name

End of message 

_______________

NEXT

Collect gather all the pastors responses from all the churches after 7-14 days and review them.  

Weed out the NO. Find a few Yes. Then, proceed to the deacon & elders consult email [listed further below]. While you wait to hear back from those ones, listen to the pastors online sermons, &>find out what they offer at the church for studies, areas you can serve God & believers, if the site doesnt have much info, and pastor hasnt provided those details, ask when you visit the ones in your finalist selection list. 

After you get the decon and elder responses back, weed through them to find the yes and maybe pile. 

Then go visit the yes locations. 

Determine which Church you will join. and Join fairly quickly so you can participate in membership activities, as we are all called to serve at the church, we are not to be pew sitters. We are there to serve the Lord and minister to others. However if you are a new believer under 3 years then just go and study as much as you can, and read the Word daily at home and get studied up so you can be useful and helpful in the church with the gifts the Holy Spirit has gifted you.

🌟Keep the other Yes churches on file, in case you need to change churches later, or as recommendations to those who live in your/nearby county. That is helpful especially when sharing the gospel in town and in the general area. You can guide them to a good solid church that you have already investigated, and it provides them a good starting point.  

😊

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DEACON /&CHURCH SEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBER EMAIL QUESTIONAIRRE - SEE that at the END area further BELOW.

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Notes for church searcher: 

Importance of searching for a biblical church are very important today. And sadly, necessary. 

Churches today need to 1. Teach truth. 2. Stand on Scripture as the authority of all things. 3. Teach on the issues in the culture with biblical responses. We cannot avoid it nor be wishy washy nor embrace culture; Having a flimsy view does not help Christians speak the truth. We must stand on the truth and full authority of Scripture (the 66 books). 

__________________

PASTORS ANSWERS:

Responses you should recieve from the Pastor should reflect the following answers:

0. Is this a church campus or a individual stand alone church? INDEPENDANT INDIVIDUAL CHURCH. >>* you do not want to get trapped in the nonsense of "satellite campus" churches where a preacher is broadcast on a screen. You want a local Pastor who is physically present and active at the church. It is fine if theres a senior pastor & associate pastor, or a Head Pastor and a few elders [those are pastors]. 

1. What is man's biggest problem: sin or self-esteem?

SIN

2. What must a person do to inherit eternal life?

THEY DONT DO ANYTHING AS IN WORKS, THEY SIMPLY OBEY THE GOSPEL when they REPENT AND TRUST IN JESUS BY FAITH. Faith is a gift from God. 

3. Do you believe in & teach a literal six day creation?

YES, ALL OF CHRISTIANITY AND THE MAJOR DOCTRINES ARE TIED TO IT!

4. Do you believe in a literal hell and eternal punishment?

YES, HELL IS A PLACE OF ETERNAL TORMENT WHERE UNSAVED SINNERS RECIEVE THE NEVER ENDING  FULL WRATH OF GOD FOR THEIR CRIMES

4. Do you believe the Bible contains "errors"?

NO GOD's WORD IS INERRANT. THE ORIGINALS HAVE NO ERROR, THE BIBLE WE HAVE NOW IS VERIFIED FROM ANCIENT COPIES AND THE BEST PRESERVED BOOK IN HISTORY. IT IS RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY.

🌟5. Do you teach cessationism or fontinuationism of spiritual gifts? CESSATIONIST/CESSATIONISM

5. Do you or the church promote Social Justice and CRT? NO THESE MOVEMENTS UNDERMINE THE GOSPEL AND ALL THAT SCRIPTURE TEACHES ABOUT THOSE WHO ARE BELIEVERS

6. Do you believe women can be Preachers?

NO, as GOD HAS BEEN CLEAR.  CHURCHES WITH WOMEN AS THE LEADER ARE CHURCHES WITHOUT A PASTOR.

7. Do you have any female decons? 

NO WOMEN DO NOT HAVE LEADERSHIP ROLE IN THE CHURCH BUT THEY CAN BE INVOLVED IN HELPS AND SERVING MINISTRIES, AND OF COURSE SHARING THE GOSPEL.

8. Are there any women in "higher" roles in the church? (Co-pastor, decon, elder, Sunday school teacher teaching men, a worship leader, anyone who has a prominent role in front of the congregation)

NO. NOT EVEN THE WORSHIP LEADER. AND THE PASTORS WIFE IS NOT IN A LEADERSHIP ROLE SUCH AS CO PASTOR

💥8a. No. Alistair Begg was wrong on that because it violates Scriptures clear teaching that women are to remain silent in worship service and are not to be preavhers. Scripture is very clear that men are the only ones who can hold that role [for clarity, that means those born with a penis who are living as a masculine male]. *This also means a woman is not to read Scripture aloud in service [as some modern churches do to make women feel included]. 

9. What is your view on gays, transgenders & lgbt?

IT IS AGAINST SCRIPTURE AND GOD'S DESIGN FOR HUMANS

10. A. What is your view of gender prefered pronouns?

CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT BE USING THEM NOR CATERING TO THOSE WHO USE THEM. 

B. How do you suggest your members respond to people asking to be called xyz pronoun, and do you teach that prefered pronouns cause Christians to "lie" & therefore to sin against God?

MUST BE KIND AND TACTFUL BUT STAND FIRM THAT IT IS A VIOLATION OF THEIR RELIGION AND CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED RELIGIOUS BELIEFS TO CALL SOMEONE ANYTHING OTHER THAN THEIR BIRTH GENDER, and especially HE/HIM AND SHE/HER. VIOLATING THE SCRIPTURES CAUSES A BELIEVER TO SIN AGAINST GOD BY LYING EACH INSTANCE IF THEY USE such PREFERED PRONOUNS IN SPEECH OR WRITING at work or places in the community.

11. Do you preach about sin in sermons (typically) regularly? >Yes, regularly. Speaking of sin is important so believers can be admonished, exhorted, and have victory over sins

12A. How do you share the salvation message at the pulpit?   Sin & forgiveness;  LAW AND GRACE

B.  what would a short generic gospel you would say if having a conversation with a non believer in public. 

WE ARE ALL SINNERS, WE HAVE VIOLATED GOD'S LAW, EXAMPLES OF SINS, AND THIS IS WHY JESUS, THE CROSS HIS DEATH & RESURRECTION WERE NECESSARY TO BRING US TO GOD. WE DO NOTHING, HE DID IT ALL. IF WE REPENT ONCE AND FOR ALL OF OUR SINS AND TRUST IN JESUS, BELIEVE IN WHO HE IS AND WHAT HE DID, THEN WE CAN BE BORN AGAIN BY GOD AND BE SAVED. WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET RIGHT WITH GOD & SURRENDER TO JESUS TODAY? PRAY TO HIM, (AND I can PRAY FOR him/her AFTERWARDS.)

13. How hard is it to become a Christian?

Easy in the sense that it is simply by believing. But understanding the cost of doing so and doing it anyway. GOD SAVES, GOD REDEEMS. Once saved, A BELIEVER SIMPLY WORKS OUT HIS FAITH DAILY BY BECOMING MORE HOLY, MORE LIKE JESUS DAILY. IT IS A STRUGGLE BUT THROUGH JESUS WE CAN CONQUER AND HAVE VICTORY AS WE RID OURSELVES OF SIN AND AS WE GROW IN THE FAITH, and persevere to the end. 

14. How often do you talk about sin, righteousness, and judgment? REGULARLY

15. How seeker-sensitive is your church?

NOT VERY. THERE IS A CALL TO UNSAVED IN THE PEWS AND VISITORS IN THE PULPIT, AND IN SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES, AND AT EVENTS, because we should preach the gospel at every opportunity. 

16. How do you handle complex theology in your sermons? HOWEVER HE ANSWERS IN THE POSITIVE AND AS LONG AS THEOLOGY IS BEING PRESENTED

17. What is your mixture of topical vs. expository preaching? SHOULD BE HIGHER % EXPOSITORY (GOING THRU SCRIPTURE BY VERSE AND BOOK)

18. Describe your evangelism programs.

A. What kind of Evangelism material do you all use? 

B. Name some top ministries you use or are ok with the congregants utilizing or pointing them to.

C. Do you have a local outreach? 

SHOULD SAY YES. IF NO, >>WHY NOT??

19. What church growth model do you follow?

20. FINANCES

A. Does the church finances actively help the needy folks in the membership 

YES, AND WE VERIFY, AND ENSURE THEYRE GETTING HELP, AND MOVING TO BETTER SITUATIONS AND JOBS

B. How much do you give to missions 

COLLECT DONATIONS REGULARLY, AVERAGE X $ 

🌟20. Do you have a discipleship course for new believers

YES, IT IS IMPORTANT FOR NEW BELIEVERS TO GAIN A SOLID FOUNDATION AT THE BEGINNING.

>> *btw church seeker if you are looking for one: FOF and the church is good or only solid one so far, but lacks a course... use this yourself.

21. When you distribute the Lord's Supper, do you emphasize the need to examine ones'self?

YES

22. Can a person who is living in a willful and persistent, unrepentant lifestyle of sin inherit eternal life? NO, IT MEANS THEY WERE NOT SAVED. THERES NO SUCH THING AS A CARNAL CHRISTIAN OR BACKSLIDER. YOU ARE SIMPLY GROWING IN THE FAITH AND PERSEVERING. IF YOU FALL INTO TEMPORARY SIN, YOU GET OUT OF IT & FORSAKE IT (GET VICRORY OVER IT), OR GOD DISCIPLINES YOU AND YOU TURN FROM IT. 

23. Does your church exercise church discipline?

YES, WE FOLLOW SCRIPTURE (stage by stage) AND IF WORST CASE NEED BE, CALL THEM OUT FROM PULPIT TO REPENTANCE & RESTORATION. BEFORE HAVING TO KICK THEM OUT OF THE CHURCH & REMOVE MEMBERSHIP. THEY ARE WELCOME BACK IF THEY REPENT & ARE SHOWN TO HAVE STOPPED/turned from WHATEVER SIN IT WAS.

24. Do you preach politics? 

YES BECAUSE CHRISTIANS NEED TO KNOW WHAT SCRIPTURE SAYS ON A MATTER IN THE CULTURE AND ISSUES FACED BY THOSE WHO LIVE IN THIS COUNTRY, but only as needed. It isnt a regular focus. Christ & Scripture is. 

A. Do you preach based one political party view? or B. do you preach on Scripture, (which today likely leans conservative in many instances.) 

WE PREACH SCRIPTURE, AND IT LEANS Conservative IN SOME AREAS BECAUSE OF ABORTION, LGBT ISSUES, CRT, AND ETC

25. What do you believe about abortion?

IT IS MURDER, ENDS A LIFE GOD HAS CREATED AND IS MAKING IN THE WOMB.

26. Among these, who did you vote for Obama, Hillary, Biden, Trump? 

Notes on politics 

27. What do you think about Word of faith and the Prosperity teachings? 

THEY ARE FALSE TEACHINGS LEAD BY FALSE TEACHERS WHO DUPE MILLIONS, AND SADLY HAVE HAD A PLATFORM ON TV SINCE THE 90s.

28. What are the essentials of the Christian faith?

29a. What criteria are used to determine if someone is qualified to be a Sunday school teacher or a youth volunteer? And what about church leaders?

MATURITY IN THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, HOLDS TO VERIFIED BIBLICAL VIEWS, IS AT LEAST 2-3 YEARS OLD IN THE FAITH, CAN PROPERLY SHARE THE GOSPEL, HAS BEEN GIVEN APPROVAL BY CHURCH BODY. Is under the churchs' authority & accountable to the elders. 

B. Do you do background checks on every person who volunteers or holds a position at the church, even janitors ? If not, on who (?) YES EVERY MEMBER, SINCE ANY MEMBER COULD BE ASKED TO SERVE. NON MEMBERS CANNOT SERVE NOR ASSIST In the CHURCH. 

C.Do you have a criminal background?

  1.  If so, what was it for? HOPEFYLLY ANSWER US NO HERE. BUT IF YES, SEE WHAT IT WAS FOR

  2. Was it before you became a Christian? 

IF YES, ENSURE IT WAS BEFORE BECOMING A BELIEVER AND WAS MANY YRS AGO WITH NO OTHER ISSUES SINCE, NOR IN THE CHURCH. IF IT IS SEXUAL AT ALL THERES CAUSE FOR CONCERN THAT HE IS UNQUALIFIED BY SCRIPTURE TO BE IN THIS POSITION AND AROUND WOMEN, TEENS AND GIRLS. OR POSSIBLY MEN IF HE CAME FROM GAY BACKGROUND.

USE CAUTION BASED ON WHATEVER THE YES WAS ABOUT. *consider following up email by asking who the firmer church was where he was preacher, and get the 411 and their recommendation about him. 

  3. Are you currently involved in anything illegal, even if no one knows about it yet

HOPEFULLY HE SAYS NO, AND NOT CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION OR CHURCH DISCIPLINE, OR LEGAL. IF HE SAYS NO but it is YES HE MAY BE CONVICTED BY YOU ASKING AND BE A GOD GIVEN CATALYST TO STOP DOING THAT SIN. PREACHERS ARE HELD TO A HIGH STANDARD AS SCRIPTURE TEACHES AND CAN AND MUST BE DISQUALIFIED (FOREVER) BASED ON CERTIAN THINGS. If the church allows him in pulpit even after those "certian" things, theres a issue here and he might do same or worse things. And he needs to be removed. 

30. Is it currently policy that you ensure there's always 2 adults in the room when another person (or teen, baby, or child or woman) is present? For in classes, in private convos conversations etc for accountability and safety? THIS ANSWER MUST BE YES. IT PROTECTS PEOPLE FROM BEING VICTIMS by those with power & in authority. 

31.A. Has your church had any problems with sexual abuse? By leaders, teachers, adults, teens or kids? 

HOPEFULLY THIS ANSWER IS NO (!)

B. Have you been accused or guilty? (Either here or at previous church)  HOPEFULLY THE ANSWER IS NO, BUT IF YES, THEY MUST HAVE NOTED THEY Disciplined the false accussor, or if guilty, it likely shows that pastor should not be a pastor nor leading that church and should move on (to another church as a member not a pastor). 

32. Describe your youth programs. 

SHOULD NOT ANSWER THAT IT IS ALL FUN AND GAMES. The focus should be on revealing Jesus in depth.

33a. What kind of ministry do you have for teens and college age.  LISTEN TO THE ANSWER

B. Is that ministry full of games and fun or is the focus on Scripture and Christ and raising up godly men and women?

 SHOULD NOT ANSWER THAT IT IS ALL FUN AND GAMES. MANY CHURCHES DOING THAT TODAY ARE MAKING IT A SOCIAL CLUB W MANY QUESTIONABLE THINGS GOING ON IN THOSE ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE APPAULING & SHOULD NOT BE IN THE CHURCH

C. Do the teens and college age get equipped with the knowledge and teachings to help their faith? That specifically targets to refute evolutionary teachings, and utilize examination tools (such as answers in Genesis & cold case Christianity) for investigating the truth to solidifying their faith? THIS SHOULD BE A YES, if not they should be in the process of doing so. 

D. How many of the teens and college age students do you believe are actually saved who attend the youth dept. And whose parents are members. IT MIGHT BE 25% OR 50% IT COULD BE 10%. BUT THE QUESTION OR ISSUE IS WHY ARENT THEY ALL, IF PARENTS ARE BELIEVERS. WHERE IS THE CHURCH FAILING TO PROPERLY EXPLAIN WHAT IS NEEDED TO KNOW FOR EACH OF THEM TO BE CHRISTIAN AND SOLIDIFY THEIR FAITH ( ALSO SO UPCOMING COLLEGES DO NOT DECIEVE AND PULL THEM FROM FAITH).

34. Do you have church guided on campus school or home school coop among the members? Or affiliations to (& who?) YES. K-8 BUT HOPEFULLY HIGH SCHOOL TOO. THOSE ARE VERY IMPORTANT FAITH GROWING YEARS. 

35. What's the normal number of people attending the church on Sunday? AVERAGE CHURCH IN USA IS 75 MEMBERS. SOME HAVE 200, SOME BIGGER ONES THAT ARE BIBLICAL LIKE GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH HAVE 4-6,000. >>BIG CHURCHES ARE RARE.

36. Do you have a Sunday evening service, a mid week service, any in home Bible studies? YES. IF NOT, WHY NOT.

37. What percentage of members tithe/Give regularly

38. What % of members engage the church page on social media for Facebook, Twitter, youtube, Godtube, and etc? HOPEFULLY IT IS 50% OR HIGHER

39. Do you buy sermons or do you spend the week in Scripture and always create a sermon based on what you are studying? ONLY ANSWER ACCEPTABLE IS THE PASTOR STUDIES SCRIPTURE HIMSELF AND PUTS THE WEEKLY MESSAGE TOGETHER HIMSELF. NEVER USES SERMON CHEATING SERVICES. 

40. Are your sermons archived online at YouTube, sermons audio or archive org? Where can I access (links pls). YES IT SHOULD BE

41. What sermon series are you currently on?

HE SHOULD BE ON A SERIES EITHER BY BOOK OR A TOPIC

42. What series do you plan to do next? 

GOOD TO KNOW

43. What do you think was your worst message or series? HE MAY EXPLAIN WHY. GOOD ON EM IF HE WILLINGLY SHARES A LINK TO IT. BUT OK IF DOESNT. 

44. What is the end times escatology view in the pulpit? ONLY ANSWER IS PREMILLINIAL. DOESNT MATTER WHAT CONCOCTED REASONING IS THAT HE ADVOCATES FOR ANOTHER VIEW, IT IS NOT BIBLICAL. (Link here for end times research).

45.a What is your basic view on soteriology? Are you easy believing, whosoeverism, reformed, calvanist, 3 point/5 point? 

- IF HE SAYS ANYONE CAN BE SAVED.  ASK A FOLLOW UP CLARIFYING QUESTION. >DO YOU HOLD THE ARMENIAN VIEW OF SALVATION(?). 👀IF YES, DO NOT GO HERE.

-YOU DO NOT WANT EASY BELIEVISM (JUST BELIEVE IN JESUS [and live how you want in sin]😬 faq ).

-IF TEACHING WHOSOEVER (HE HAS LIKELY NO THEOLOGY DEGREE FROM REPUTABLE PLACE) BUT AS LONG AS HE TEACHES "SIN AND FAITH" AS THE GOSPEL, MEH 🤷‍♀️, IF THERES NO OTHER OPTION

-IF HE SAYS 3 POINT OR 5 POINT CALVANIST OR REFORMED, THAT IS GOOD, BUT END TIMES VIEW NEEDS TO BE PREMILLINIAL. It affects all other areas of what they believe and is imbedded in their sermons. 

B. Do you teach & preach that knowledge of sin is required when presenting the Gospel? YES

46. How does that compare with the beliefs of the majority of the members? HOPEFULLY HE BELIEVES MOST HOLD THAT VIEW CUZ IT HAS BEEN TAUGHT IN PULPIT AND IN CLASSES there, and is part of their churchs' faith statement. 

47. How long have you been at this church and how long do you plan to stay? PASTORS WHO PLAN TO STAY WHERE GOD HAS OUT THEM IS THE BEST ANSWER. IT IS NOT GOOD 😬 FOR A PREACHER TO CHANGE CHURCHES AS IT IS LIKELY THEYRE LOOKING FOR MONEY OR/AND PRESTIGIOUS POSITION IN CHRISTIANITY. A church hopper FOCUS IS NOT ON THE CHURCH AND GOD, but $ and status (being known). Better to have a faithful preacher who stays put, than a jumper. The jumpers do not imbed themselves in the lifes of the flock. 

48. Was there a pastor search committee when you were hired? Who was the lead person on the committee? And their email address. 

💥(* contact them to discuss the pastor's hiring and things of the church). SEE BELOW SUGGESTED EMAIL

49. Is this church a voting democracy where they can fire you or override you at whim, or is it run by elders?

Hopefully not, but 🤷‍♂️. If democratic, neferious ones in congregation can cause a church split. So just be aware of potential fall out. 

Church split awareness & plan

50. Are there any people you've become aware of that are or potentially are troubled makers whove had power in the past at this church, and may lead a grassroots effort to get rid of you?

51. Who owns the church? Certain people, )who benefit from the buildings sale, or who?). How is the church safe from such nefarious ones? 

52. Describe your personality. Are you down to earth, narcissist, passive aggressive, etc, in as decent a self description as reasonable.

53. How much does the church pay for your salary? Is there a housing provided in addition, or vehicle? 

54. Does your family live nearby? Nearest city, nearby county or out of State?

55. Are you married? Tell me lightly about your spouse. Do you have children? How old and are they all saved and living a holy life? 1. THE ADULT CHILDREN SHOULD BE WALKING WITH THE LORD, CONSIDER THE ISSUES BECAUSE IT HAS TO DO WITH HIS LEADING THE HOME AND AFFECTS THE LEADING OF THE CHURCH. 2. WAS PASTOR NOT SAVED WHILE KIDS GREW UP AND LEFT HOME? THAT COULD BE A REASON. 3. HAS HE ONLY BEEN A PASTOR 3 OR 5 YEARS AND WAS SAVED NOT LONG BEFORE? THEY TOOK IN A SEEMINGLY GOOD PASTOR, THEY HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE. 4. CONSIDERATIONS

56a. Can you link me to your church website Statement of Faith beliefs. 

B. Does it deviate from the SBC faith statement of 2000 [year]? If so, in what areas? THE SBC2000 IS PRETTY SOLID, IF THERES A HUGE ISSUE THEY BRING UP, CONSIDER IT BIBLICALLY AS TO WHETHER THAT CURRENT VIEW HE HAS IS A DEAL BREAKER. ESP IF THERES NO OTHER GOOD CHURCH RESPONSES YOUVE RECIEVED AND THIS ONE IS BEST ONE IN THE AREA. HOLD FAST TO SCRIPTURE THO. 

57. Can you link me (to access) your personal & church Facebook, Instagram and favorite social platform... so I can get a feel for you as a person and shepherd?

58. What seminary, college and university degrees do you have? IMPORTANT TO SAY THEOLOGY FOR BS, M.DIV, M.THEOLOGY, OR Ph.D THEOLOGY. Better to have higher degrees in theology, as the preacher will be solid in Scripture, but only if he went to a solid conservative school(s). >> remember only 37% of pastors today hold the Scriptures as truth so you need to find one of those. 

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CHURCH SEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBER QUESTIONS TO ASK BY EMAIL ABOUT THE PASTOR AND CHURCH, while/if church is in process of finding a pastor.

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am looking for a church to join in the area and have spoken with the pastor, who recommended you as another point of contact for some questions I had. 

Would you answer a few questions for me and a few (mature in the faith) elder or decons of the church would you suggest I speak to about these & other questions? [Can you send me their email, or forward this to them so they can reach out to me?]. 

*Short answers are fine, but please elaborate where needed. 

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Name

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Attached Questions: 

Here. 

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👆👆

>>>📝Pick from the main above questions, or all of them to pick out what the general belief is of the church leadership, and ask which of these questions are most important to him  when searching for a pastor in modern times. When they reply, if their answers are acceptable to the answers noted above, additionally Ask if they have a list of questions they ask the potential pastor that isnt included in (your) list. So you can hold onto any valuable Qs to ask pastors for future usage. 

Add these questions below  since these elders and decons are in leadership and know the pastor. 

 

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

*What is the senior pastors leadership style?

*How does he handle confrontation?

* Has he had to handle any church discipline while there [that thru Matt 18 had to make it to the pulpit, or even as far as removing membership and kicking the person or people out? And was there in any instances any repentance and restoration?]

*If the Senior Pastor is the one who committed a sin that needed to be addressed, how does your church go about Matt 18 in his case, but also what if it is a disqualifying sin where he needs to be removed not just from his pastor role but as a pastor in general? What is your church policy on these?

*

*

*

_________

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Step 3

ONLINE RESEARCH

... in investigating the church before hand is to see who follows the church page on social media. Usually members, and you can look at their social media personal page to see if their members Christian or wishy washy. And you can reach out to them online, and in conversing ask certian of the same questions and other "church community" questions you want to know. It gives overall better overview of the church.  It will tell you if they have mature believers, growing believers or folks who never read and feed on the Word in their daily life. It will tell you if it is a place of solid believers, stagnated and not growing, dying... and by comparing several churches in the area you can decide which 2 to go give a visit or two too before joining one. 

 

You can also check out yelp or online reviews of the chyrch but cant really go by those because progressives and haters go there these days to slander good churches, so use caution and common sense after talking with the leaders. 

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What a Church website should have in public view under Our Beliefs or Doctrinal Statement or Statement of Faith. If there is nothing there or hardly anything... consider NOT going to that church. They are hiding it to try to please all vs standing on solid truths of Scripture. 

Hope this has helped! Feel free to bookmark and reference again in the distant future. And share with others looking for church search help