Pastoral Search

When the office of lead pastor has been vacated for any reason, our church constitution calls for the formation of a Pulpit Committee.

The members of South Baptist Church have elected the following five men to serve on the Pulpit Committee: Greg Beckmeyer, Larry Dunckel (Chair), Nathan Dunn, Steve Shipp, and Art Unger.

FAQs

How do I submit someone’s name for consideration?

If you have the name of someone you would like us to consider, please e-mail it to us at southpulpit@gmail.com.

Where do we get candidates?

We receive the names of potential candidates from several sources:

1. Bible/Christian colleges
2. Mission organizations
3. GARBC State Representatives in various states; and
4. YOU

If you have the name of someone you would like us to consider, please e-mail it to us. We want your input!

What does the committee do with the names of potential candidates?

We follow these general steps in the process:

1. Compile a list of names from various sources.
2. Take our top choices from the information we have and contact those men by phone to ask if they would consider reviewing a church packet from us.
3. Send a packet with information and preliminary questions and a request for references.
4. Review the responses we receive, check references, listen to sermon recordings, etc.
5. Schedule a phone interview with a more comprehensive list of questions.
6. Send a group to visit him at his current church and attend one or more of his services.
7. Bring the potential candidate to South to meet with staff and the deacons.
8. Schedule a candidating weekend for the candidate to meet with staff, the deacons, all ministry groups, and the congregation.
9. Based on a favorable recommendation by the deacons, a vote will be held at a business meeting following the candidating weekend, as to whether or not we should call the candidate to be our next lead pastor. A two-thirds majority is required to extend a call.