Before You Say, "Yes" - 21 Questions Every Pastor Should Ask a Church
- Brent Madaris
- Aug 6
- 10 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Which qualities are most important in a revitalization pastor?
Strong preaching
Compassionate shepherding
Vision for change
Administrative Skills
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Accepting a call to a local church is far more than agreeing to serve; it’s a serious spiritual commitment requiring mutual understanding and discernment. Too often pastors leap into their first or next pastorate without asking the hard questions that safeguard both their own ministry and the congregation’s health.
Below are 21 foundational considerations taken directly from Dr. Richard V. Clearwaters’s classic Central Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary Quarterly.(1)
Understanding the Author:
Dr. Richard V. Clearwaters
Before you read these historic statements/questions, it’s important to know a bit about their author:
Dr. Richard V. Clearwaters (1900–1996) was a prominent Baptist fundamentalist pastor and educator. He founded the Central Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary in Minneapolis in 1956 and helped lead the Conservative Baptist Movement, which separated from the Northern (later American) Baptist Convention in the 1940s–50s over modernism and liberal theology.
Clearwaters’s Central Conservative Baptist Fellowship aligned with fundamentalist convictions—strong biblical authority, separatism from liberalism, and local church autonomy—but his network was not fully Independent Baptist in the way most IFB churches today define themselves (which movement, by the way, was coalescing in the same time period). Churches in the Conservative Baptist Association retained some denominational cooperation, whereas Independent Baptists typically reject all denominational ties. This table explains some of the differences between the two groups:
Comparison of Independent Baptist and Conservative Baptist Movements
Category | Independent Baptist Movement | Conservative Baptist Movement |
Timeframe of Development | Late 1800s – Mid-1900s (gained momentum 1920s–1950s) | 1940s (officially formed in 1947–48) |
Denominational Background | Reaction against the Northern Baptist Convention (NBC) and other denominations | Also emerged from the Northern Baptist Convention (NBC) |
Key Cause of Separation | Modernism, liberal theology, ecumenism, and denominational control | Modernism and liberalism in the NBC; a desire to retain conservative theology |
Nature of Separation | Full ecclesiastical separation – total independence from denominations | Partial separation – formed alternative fellowships and mission agencies |
View of Denominational Structures | Strongly anti-denominational; saw denominationalism as compromise | Rejected liberal denominationalism but retained some cooperative structure |
Ecclesiology | Strong emphasis on local church autonomy | Also emphasized local autonomy, but with voluntary cooperation in missions |
Key Leaders/Influencers | - J. Frank Norris (Texas, Fort Worth) - John R. Rice (Sword of the Lord) - Lester Roloff, Lee Roberson, others | - Harold Ockenga (early influence) - Robert T. Ketcham - Leaders of Conservative Baptist Foreign Mission Society |
Key Organizations | - Sword of the Lord - Baptist Bible Fellowship Intl. (1950) - Southwide Baptist Fellowship - World Baptist Fellowship (1933) | - Conservative Baptist Foreign Mission Society (1947) - Conservative Baptist Association of America (1948) |
Key Institutions | - Tennessee Temple University - Baptist Bible College (MO) - Hyles-Anderson College - Pensacola Christian College | - Denver Seminary (originally Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary) - Western Conservative Baptist Seminary |
Primary Geography | South and Southwest (initially) but expanded nationally | More prominent in the North and West U.S. |
Position on Separation | Advocated secondary and tertiary separation (even from evangelicals seen as compromised) | Advocated separation from liberalism, but more moderate about secondary separation |
Style of Ministry | Revivalist, evangelistic, often militant separatism | More academic and institutional, milder separatism, some remained open to evangelical cooperation |
Worship/Preaching Style | Often marked by fiery preaching, altar calls, KJV-only emphasis (in many) | More varied; some expository preaching, less uniform in worship styles |
View of KJV | Many were and are KJV-only or KJV-preferred | Generally used modern translations (NASB, ESV, etc.) |
Typical Church Culture | High emphasis on soulwinning, standards, personal separation | Emphasis on missions, church planting, Bible teaching |
Attitude Toward Evangelicals | Often critical of broader evangelicalism | Willing to cooperate with evangelicals, especially in missions and education |
Current Legacy | - Still exists in multiple fellowships and independent churches - Sometimes fragmented - Influenced many fundamentalist institutions | - Evolved into groups like the CB America, Mission to the World, and others; some merged with evangelical circles |
Summary | Total separation from denominationalism, strong fundamentalist identity | Conservative alternative to liberalism, more structured but less radical in separation |
Despite those original and organizational differences, (and eventual doctrinal/practical differences) Clearwaters’s doctrinal positions, practical concerns, and emphasis on local church health mirror many core values of Independent Baptist circles today. His 21-point checklist remains a valuable window into how fundamental pastors were taught to assess a potential pastorate during the mid-20th century.
Here were his recommendations:
21 Points A Pastor Should Consider Before Accepting A Church
Get a copy of the church constitution and by-laws (or minute book) for careful reading. (Is the pastor moderator of the church?)
Learn all affiliations of the local church with associations, state and national conventions, and interdenominational organizations, such as N.A.E. or National council of Churches
Learn the past history of the local church if possible by reading the church minutes (official actions of the church, etc. - If they are in agreement with the New Testament).
Get definite understanding about annual vacation period.
Get definite understanding about salary, when, and how often paid.
Have definite understanding about pension, benefits, social security, or old age pensions (Presbyterian Ministerial Fund, Interdenominational).
Learn if pastor has authority to ask speakers of his choice, or if deacons or church action in business meeting is needed.
Learn practice of church for special offerings for various causes (Evangelist speaking — church should handle the money).
Learn about parsonage provisions if any, and car expense.
Determine whether church will pay moving expenses from old to new field.
Get definite understanding about permission for pastor to be away from the field for Bible conferences, etc.
Learn what are the conditions held by the church for a person to be elected an officer (re tobacco, dancing, liquor, etc.).
What qualifications does the church set up for admission to membership - those coming by letter should give clear testimony of Christian experience. Does church have associate membership?
What is the custom of the church for the use of its facilities by other organizations or individuals who request its use ?
Does the church practice commercialism of any kind to raise its budget (rummage sales, etc.)?
Will the church permit the pastor to preach tithing and organize a tither’s league (a covenant with God to tithe for 3 months - then if God does not bless, they can decide for themselves). Storehouse tithing - bring all your gifts to the church, but you can designate to any one or place.
Learn in Detail the missionary program of the church and if it is supporting fundamental work and causes.
Get a specific consent from church to preach the whole counsel of God as revealed in the Bible.
Will the church give consent to historic Baptist principles and practices as outlined in Hiscox Manual?
Does the church practice using unsaved persons or worldly Christians to provide music for local church? (Or non-members teach in Sunday School)?
What provision does the church make for secretarial and office work? For Sunday School and church
Have meeting with pulpit committee or deacon board under a gentleman's agreement with no minutes taken. But after agreements are reached, then they should be made record of and brought before the church.
A. What this series of considerations is not:
A comprehensive list of all things to be considered.
A hard bargain, driven by the prospective pastor.
A set of demands legislated by the prospective pastor.
B. What this series of considerations is:
Consideration of definite matters in a way business-like and in order.
A provision for a fairly complete understanding between pastor and people.
A working and workable Christian agreement.
Having seen and read those 1950'ish recommendations, now lets take a moment and modernize the statments to make them more in line with today's world. I cannot think of anything more important for a prospective pastor than for him to ask the right questions in these early meetings with the prosepctive church. Most pastoral candidates have the idea that they alone are the ones to be questioned/grilled. This is a misunderstanding of the process. One of the reasons future pastors do not ask questions is because certain high profile leaders have told us just to "pray and if God says take the church, take it!" They have been told not to aks questions like the ones Dr. Clearwaters and I are sharing with you now. When the prospective pastor asks the right questions and gains the right knowledge, this can help him make wise, spritual, godly decisions.
Modernized 21 Questions for Today’s Independent Baptist Pastor
Use these questions as an updated framework reflecting contemporary church life, technology, legal concerns, and cultural realities—while staying true to Baptist convictions.
Governance & Documents
Do you have a current copy of the constitution, bylaws, and policy manuals? Are they consistent with biblical principles and updated for legal compliance?
Doctrinal Position & Associations
What are the church’s doctrinal statement, position papers, and any formal or informal associations with fellowships, missions boards, or parachurch groups?
Historical Health & Patterns
What significant events (splits, scandals, leadership turnover) shaped the church over the past 20 years?
Vacation & Rest Policies
What vacation, holidays, and personal days are included in the pastoral package?
Salary, Benefits, and Retirement
What is the full compensation package, including salary, insurance, retirement contributions (403b or equivalent), and reimbursable expenses?
Worship Philosophy & Music Style
What is the church’s philosophy of worship and preferred music style? Is it a unifying element or a point of division? Who makes decisions about musical direction and selection?
Authority to Lead
Does the pastor have the authority to invite speakers, adjust ministry programs, or make staff decisions?
Special Offerings & Designated Gifts
How are designated gifts or special offerings handled, and what accountability measures are in place?
Housing & Transportation
Is a parsonage available, or is a housing allowance offered? What about car allowance or mileage reimbursement?
Moving Expenses
Will the church pay reasonable moving costs for relocation?
Conferences & Continuing Education
What is the policy for conference attendance, professional development, and study leave?
Leadership Qualifications & Lifestyle Standards
What biblical standards are applied to officers, teachers, and staff (e.g., alcohol, marital status, sexual purity, online conduct)?
Membership Process & Expectations
What steps are required for membership? How does the church handle inactive or absent members?
Facility Use Policies
Who may use church facilities, and under what conditions (e.g., weddings, outside groups, community events)?
Fundraising Philosophy
What are the church’s convictions about fundraising (e.g., car washes, raffles, constant sales)? Does giving depend on biblical stewardship or frequent campaigns?
Financial Transparency & Stewardship
How does the church report income/expenses to members? Are financial statements available for review?
Missions Strategy
What is the philosophy of missions? Does the church support missions directly, through a board, or both?
Preaching Liberty
Will the pastor have full freedom to preach the whole counsel of God without restriction?
Church Discipline & Accountability
Does the church have a biblical process for handling sin or conflict among members and leaders?
Volunteer & Staff Screening
Are background checks performed for those working with children, youth, or finances?
Administrative Support & Office Infrastructure
What secretarial help, office equipment, and software tools are available for effective pastoral work?
Atlhough some of the above questions will certainly apply, when a man is considering a revitalization work there are other questions that should be asked. Following is a list of 21 questions that should be asked/considered for the revitalization work. These questions address unique realities facing a pastor called to revitalize a stagnant or hurting church.
21 Questions Every Revitalization Pastor Should Ask
Questions for Troubled or Declining Churches
A Comprehensive Assessment for Discerning the Call
Spiritual and Doctrinal Climate
What is the spiritual temperature of the church?
Is there a hunger for God’s Word, prayer, and holiness?
How strong is the church’s doctrinal foundation?
Is there unity on essential doctrines, and are members theologically grounded?
Are there unresolved conflicts or spiritual wounds among the members?
Understanding past hurts helps anticipate healing work ahead.
What place does Scripture hold in decision-making and ministry philosophy?
A church’s view of the Bible will affect every revitalization effort.
Is there evidence of pride, apathy, or resistance to change?
These attitudes can hinder progress or require special shepherding.
Church Health and Culture
What is the church’s understanding of its mission and purpose?
Do they have clarity or confusion about why they exist?
What patterns of leadership have shaped the church’s culture?
Has it been pastoral, deacon-driven, family-controlled, or something else?
How have former pastors and leaders been treated—especially those who attempted change?
This reveals patterns of receptiveness or resistance.
Who are the key influencers—formally or informally—in the congregation?
Revitalization requires wisely navigating these dynamics.
What is the church’s historical trajectory and story?
Understanding the past gives insight into present identity and future direction.
Ministry Structures and Realities
What ministries are currently functioning—and which are thriving, stagnant, or abandoned?
This helps evaluate where energy and reform are most needed.
What is the church’s facility and property condition?
Deferred maintenance or underused spaces can reveal deeper issues.
What is the financial health of the church?
Are giving patterns sustainable, and is there transparency and stewardship?
Community & Outreach
How does the church currently engage the surrounding community?
Are they known for gospel presence or mostly inward-focused?
What is the demographic makeup of the area, and how does the church reflect or miss it?
Effective revitalization must be contextualized.
How does the church follow up with guests and visitors?
A church’s hospitality practices are revealing of its readiness for growth.
Discipleship & Leadership Development
Is there a culture of discipleship, mentoring, or leadership development?
This affects sustainability and the ability to multiply ministry.
Are laypeople trained and empowered to serve?
Revitalization isn’t a one-man job—it requires mobilized saints.
Readiness for Change
Are the leaders willing to make structural or philosophical changes if necessary?
Flexibility is key to revitalization.
What kind of change is the congregation expecting—cosmetic or foundational?
Expectations must align with the work needed.
What does the church hope to become in the next 5–10 years?
This question helps clarify their vision—or the absence of one.
How to Use These Lists
First meeting: Present yourself as prepared, not suspicious.
Early conversations: Ask these questions conversationally, not like an interrogation.
Follow-up: Confirm answers in writing when agreements are reached.
Pray: Depend on the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you discern the Lord’s will.
It is always wise to meet with the leadership of the church on several occasions…both formal and informal meetings.
1. Meet with the male leadership of the church alone on several occasions. Also,
2. Meet with the male leadership of the church at least once with your wife present. 3. Finally, I suggest that you and your wife meet with the ladies of the church. Much can be learned by meeting with the ladies of the church.
4. Meet with the teaching staff
5. Meet with the choir.
__________________
Richard V. Clearwaters, “Pastoral Courtship Before Church Marriage,” Central C.B. Quarterly (Minneapolis: Central Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary Press), 46.