Selecting a new pastor is one of the most significant decisions a church can make. The process requires prayerful discernment, careful planning, and honest self-assessment. This worksheet is designed to help your search committee prepare thoroughly by clarifying your church’s identity, priorities, challenges, and expectations before you begin evaluating potential candidates.

Pastoral ministry requires not only a heart for God and His people, but also a deep commitment to integrity. In this article Rev. Earl Brubaker explores the importance of practicing honesty, transparency, and Christlike character from the very beginning of a pastoral relationship.

Stepping into the role of pastor or elder is both a sacred privilege and a weighty responsibility. Shepherding God’s people requires a heart fully surrendered to Christ, a life rooted in Scripture, and a commitment to serve with humility and integrity. This covenant is designed to guide and affirm that calling.

Planting a church is rarely a matter of personal ambition—it is a journey of obedience, prayer, and discernment, following where God is already at work. In this account, Rev. Jim Miller, former NICE Montana Field Director, shares the process he and his team followed to establish a Bible church in Three Forks, Montana, illustrating both the practical steps and spiritual principles involved. Whether you are considering planting a church yourself or simply want to understand how new congregations come to life, these reflections provide guidance rooted in experience, prayer, and careful planning.

Rev. Earl Brubaker outlines the natural progression that most new churches experience, from the initial spark of vision to the challenges of launching, the struggles of the reality check and discouragement phases, and ultimately, the renewed strength that comes through recommitment, growth, and maturity.

A well-written constitution helps ensure that your church is built on biblical principles, provides clarity on leadership and membership, and establishes a framework for decision-making and accountability. It not only reflects your statement of faith but also serves as a practical tool for fostering unity and protecting the health of the church as it grows.

Planting a church is much like planting a seed — the conditions of the soil matter. Not every community is ready to receive and nurture a new church, and discerning where to invest your time, energy, and resources is an essential first step for any planter or sending church. Before breaking ground, we must ask: Is this the right place for a new work?

Pastor Roger Hayden offers a clear, practical overview of key concerns for those assisting with pastoral transitions. Drawing from real church experiences, it highlights important questions and issues that often arise during this process. While every church is unique and may handle these matters differently, the goal is to provide helpful guidance during this pivotal time.