Question: Our church needs an additional building, but I don’t think there’s adequate financial support for it. What would you do?
Answer: If financial constraints are keeping you from moving toward a new building plan, think about whether you could double your space in the same building by adding a second Sunday school and/or worship service. By doing so, you will find that traffic will be coming and going, making additional parking more available at different times. Also, consider using a large room for children’s church, making more seating space available in the auditorium.
A building is a huge commitment of time and finances; the decision to build should be weighed very carefully.
Question: All the churches want a 30-year-old pastor with 10 years’ experience and a cute family. What’s an older preacher to do?
Answer: If you’re an older preacher, embrace your years of experience. Many of the greatest Bible teachers of our day are well into their 60s, 70s, and even 80s. Older preachers bring with them years of training and experience. They have already gone through many of the conflicts, problems, difficulties, and experiences that the 30-year-old pastor is just learning to deal with.
If an older pastor has a heart for evangelism, good leadership skills, is a strong communicator, and can genuinely love a congregation, he might be a perfect fit. Church search committees should not base their choice on age alone.
Pat Pajak is IBSA’s associate executive director for evangelism.