Are There Open Pulpits?

Forum category

It’s been about ten years since I last looked for a place to preach and pastor. I had friends looking for churches and availed myself of the placement program from my seminary. The majority of churches that I remember were like these:

— Small but with potential (their description) requiring a bi-vocational pastor

—Had a history of short-tenured pastors (1-3 years)

—Had individual essential distinctives (Bible versions, music, pro or anti Calvinist)

—Had internal power struggles between 3 groups: those with a personal agenda, those who just wanted someone to preach to them (largest), and those whose primary desire was a solid church (smallest)

Does anyone know what the situation is like out there today for men seeking a pulpit? Are there any empty pulpits? Is church planting still going on?

I’m happy where I am and I’m not looking for a position, but I’m curious as to the opportunities that exist for seminary grads and experienced pastors looking for churches.

Discussion

Militarygetssaved.tripod.com has a listing of churches seeking Staff. Also, Terry Comier’s “For the Love of the Family” has a listing he puts out about twice a month.

Independent Baptist Churches are becoming more commercial in their search for a pastor. I am all for an educated Pastor but what purpose does a Masters or a Doctorate serve if they have no experience?

It appears that a number of pastors are pre-selecting their successors (some of whom happen to be their sons), send them to seminary and then place them on staff as youth pastors, etc. until it’s time.

"Some things are of that nature as to make one's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache." John Bunyan

My experience was that there are plenty of pulpits available. I used my Seminary’s placement service, applied to four churches, and was contacted back by each church. My resume wasn’t anything special. I was very surprised. I have a friend who’s been looking without success for 3 years, and I know a church in Springfield that’s also searching fruitlessly. Not sure why.

Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.