Are You Ready for Your Ministry Job Interview?

In a recent Fast Company article, Stephanie Vozza suggested ways that a person in a job interview should answer the question, “What are your strengths?” The answers she provided are good and apply also to those who plan to practice ministry in the 21^stcentury.

First, “I am a good problem solver.” The church today has plenty of problems, although I would prefer to call them challenges. Most churches have limited resources and unlimited opportunities. Despite diminishing numbers, aging congregants, and declining financial resources, most churches are located right in the middle of multiple ministry opportunities.

Leaders are needed who can identify those opportunities, bring both parishioners and community members together to address them, and leverage the resources available to pursue a path forward. This means that ministry leaders need skills in asset-based community development, appreciative inquiry, human-centered design, and other processes to engage people in developing and implementing solutions.

Second, “I am a good communicator.” Attending a recent conference, I heard a speaker say, “Most of you are not here to receive information but inspiration.” Good communicators go beyond providing information clearly to inspiring people to action. They are in touch with the reality of their church’s situation and challenge people to come along with them to address that reality in a proactive way. They use personal experience, scripture, stories, and media to do this.

Third, “I have strong time management skills.” Since more is being demanded of our ministry leaders, they need to set clear boundaries and make good use of their time. Each of us must acknowledge our needs and our limitations. If we do not nourish our spiritual and relational lives, we will fail as leaders and as human beings. We must also use all of the tools at our disposal to be effective time managers. Your smartphone can be your friend if you use it properly.

Fourth, “I am very determined.” A leader should have a clear understanding of his or her calling from God. You need a clear vision for your life. Although you may not know the exact path that you will follow to achieve that vision, you need a realistic understanding of your gifts, skills, and inherent strengths. This will help you stay the course.

Fifth, “I am honest.” Our society needs people of integrity, those who are consistent in what they say and what they do. It is a bit sad that we see integrity is a gift rather than a given! This gift of honesty and integrity also applies to this list. If you don’t have these skills, be truthful about your shortcomings and then get to work on developing them.

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