We’ve talked before about questions you should ask when you’re interviewing someone for an open position on your church staff, but what about if you find yourself on the other side of the equation? What if you’re the one being interviewed? Well, not to worry because we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re prepping for an interview on a church staff.

Do your research. You want to make sure you have a basic knowledge of the church you’re interviewing with before you step into the interview. Take time beforehand to gather helpful information and context about the church. Check out their website, scroll through their social media feed, and get a feel for what you’re walking into. Your research should not only produce information about the church but also trigger questions for your to clarify during the interview. (More on this below.)

Be self-aware. The age-old question that comes up in interviews all the time is, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” While this is still a common question, there are also other ways you can describe your personality, your skill set, and your wiring besides providing a list of strengths and weaknesses. Online, there are many free self-assessments (i.e Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, Strength-Finder, DiSC) you can take that help to identify your personality traits, characteristics, and abilities. Find time to take a few of these assessments so you can provide a more detailed picture of who you are and how you’re wired.

Come with questions. By coming to an interview prepared with questions of your own, you’re showing that you have an interest in the position, as well as the church. It is critical to not be caught empty-handed if the interviewer asks if you have questions. Having questions ready shows you have a real interest in the position and the church. Also, make sure your questions are specific to the church. Having canned or generic questions doesn't show you have spent time in research and preparation.

Seek God's will. Ultimately, God's will should guide your move to a new church. With this in mind, you should spend time in prayer and in seeking wise counsel from trusted friends and mentors. Listen closely to God's subtle nudging in your heart and look for signs from Him to guide your path. God must lead at all times, but He must especially lead when you are moving to a new place of service.

Changing churches can be exciting, but it must be done with diligence and through prayer. Know that we are praying for you and your ministry as you seek to promote the Good News of Jesus in your ministry.