Subscribe to the NetworkAn Open Letter to Youth Pastor Search Committees
I really thought this open letter to youth worker search committees on the Reflections blog was strong - definitely a must read for anyone finding themselves in transition. Here’s a clip from point #4 of his 5-point article. Good stuff here:
4. Silence conveys a message.
I have found that when a youth ministry search team is silent for an extended period of time, it usually is not a good sign. Silence from your team conveys one main thing – I (as a youth ministry candidate) am no longer being considered for the position. I understand this is not always the case, but it is the conclusion I will come to when I do not hear anything from a search team for an extended period of time. Silence also conveys the message that your team is not willing to honestly tell me what you think about my ability to minister to the students in your congregation.
As I am patiently waiting to hear back from your committee, I would appreciate an occasional (at the least) update. Even if the search team is hesitant to have a difficult discussion with one of the candidates that is no reason to avoid communication. Some conversations will be difficult, but you should have known that when you signed up to be on the team – even in the church the hiring process is difficult. You need to know that I am not going to talk/think negatively about you if you phone and tell me I am not the right person for the position. I will respect your team and appreciate the manner in which you handled the situation.
If you are silent after I have already interviewed, I believe one of two things is happening: you are calling another candidate back and you are hoping if that candidate says “no” then I’ll still be willing to come for another interview. Or you do not know how to tell me that I am not the right candidate and hope I’ll find another position before you have to tell me.
JG
Josh,
what is a good amount of time to wait before following up with a prospective church?