Getting the Real Story: A Guide to Candidating
Eighteen questions to ask before you say yes
Douglas G. Scott
July 1, 1984
I took a deep breath to push the fatigue from my mind and body. After traveling seven hours to be here, my wife and I were now holding cups of strong coffee, surrounded by thirty people, and trying to connect names with faces.
They examined us closely, some smiling, some sizing us up like wary customers looking for a used car. Four months of correspondence, telephone conversations, research, and prayer had brought us to this moment. Every facet of my life would soon be explored publicly. I knew I would need the endurance of a distance runner just to withstand this evening. I was being interviewed.
The church, a major congregation in the South, was looking for a senior pastor. They had sent me a bulky package of materials-results of a congregational self-study, membership statistics, a statement of mission and purpose, and comprehensive financial reports for the previous five years.
I, in turn, had provided them with my background and experience.
We had planned our three-day interview trip with surgical precision-the children were with my parents in Philadelphia, the dog housed at a kennel, the airline connections engineered so my absence would not be missed, and other clergy covering for me. It had been expensive and exhausting, but we were excited about the possibilities.
As we moved to our chairs, front and center, I prayed for discernment, knowing our conversations the next three days might well affect the rest of our lives. The chairman stood to begin the discussion.
Looking at me over the tops of his reading glasses, he said, "Before we begin, I want y'all to know I had to live up with Yankees for a year back in 1965, and I didn't like it one bit! What makes you think you're gonna be happy livin' down here?"
My wife and I ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
