Sorry, But All the Easy Churches are Taken

Dear Pastor:

Thank you for sending me your résumé and for expressing your interest in serving on this district.

You were very specific in your cover letter about the kind of church you are looking to serve.

You stipulated that you are requesting an assignment at a church that is “missional, highly engaged in the community and willing to grow, a church that supports pastors and their families well (both emotionally and financially) and understands the toll ministry can take on ministry families, that has sufficient resources to hire additional staff, and that is located in a city with a high quality of life and a good school system.”

I am sorry to be the one to have to tell you this, but all the easy churches are taken.  And I don’t think any of those pastors will leave.  Ever.  And if by chance one does leave, I will probably claim that church for myself.

I guess what I am trying to say is that we are looking for pastors who are willing to invest their blood, sweat, and tears in hard places – pastors who will go into challenging situations and make them better; who will help churches become more attentive to the mission, more intentional, more loving.

We are looking for pastors willing to be change agents who help turn self-centered congregations into congregations actively looking for ways to bless their community, stingy congregations into generous congregations, and prickly congregations into graceful congregations.  We are seeking pastors who will help congregations love not just their friends, family, and people like them, but who will passionately embrace the lost, the least, the lonely, the hurting, the hopeless, the hungry, and the hopeless in their mission field no matter where they come from or what they look like.  

Yes, it’s true -  all the easy churches are taken.  But if you aren’t afraid of a challenge, I have an opportunity for you!