Frequently Asked Questions About A Guided Search
- Do we still need a Search Committee?
- What does a Guided Search cost?
- How do you decide which candidates to present to our congregation?
- What is the nature of Minister Match's relationship with the candidates?
- Will Minister Match present our minister to another congregation?
- What guarantee do we receive with a Guided Search?
Do we still need a Search Committee?
Absolutely! A Guided Search does not take the place of your own internal Search Committee - we work in partnership with them. In a Guided Search, Minister Match comes alongside of your Search Committee as a consultant, facilitator and recruiter to help you execute The Minister Hiring Process. The ultimate candidate evaluation and hiring decisions rest solely with your Search Committee, Elders, and congregation. A Guided Search just increases the odds that your decision leads to a long-term hire that will bless both the congregation and the minister for years to come.
What does a Guided Search cost?
Not to be evasive, but the cost of a Guided Search depends on a number of factors such as the position to be filled (pulpit, youth, associate, etc.), the size of the congregation (larger congregations tend to want more experienced candidates), and the location (major metro market in the south versus a rural market in the northeast). Minister Match uses a "retained search" model where we partner with congregations under a retainer to become an extension of your committee. Guided Searches are quoted on a fixed fix fee basis plus certain out of pocket costs for items such as travel. The payment schedule is milestone-driven and spread across the course of the engagement. Bottom line: We must deliver to earn our fees.
How do you decide which candidates to present to our congregation?
People sometimes think that we just run a search through our "minister database" and print out a report of potential candidates. While we definitely have internal records for potential candidates, the information in that database is just the start of the recruiting process, not the process in and of itself. We aggressively work the phones on each and every Guided Search to drum up applicants and generate interest specific to that ministry opportunity. Our job is not to "filter" your candidates but to generate as many potential candidates as possible and then to help you work through a thoughtful selection process to find the best fit for your congregation.
As we talk to potential candidates in the recruiting process, we are initially just trying to "sell" them on the idea of applying for your position. Once we receive their Application Packet, we "pre-screen" each candidate to decide if they do or do not appear to meet the minimum job qualifications established by your committee. Those that do are placed into a "Meets Qualifications" category while those that do not are placed into a "Does Not Meet Qualifications" category. Either way, we present EVERY candidate who expresses an interest in your position.
What is the nature of Minister Match's relationship with the candidates?
In a Guided Search, we work for the congregation and are your agent throughout the search process. Having said that, we do try to develop long term relationships with ministers and may have worked with some of your candidtes as prospects or actual candidates for other positions. In another aspect of our business, Minister Match (and our sister company Minister Wanted) provides resume writing and career coaching services for ministers. If we are actively engaged with one of your candidates for career coaching, we will disclose that fact to you prior to the start of the Selection Phase of the Minister Hiring Process.
Will Minister Match present our minister to another congregation?
One of our main goals at Minister Match is to help REDUCE minister turnover within the church. Guided Search clients receive a 5 year "off-limits" guarantee for all positions filled by Minister Match. We will not solicit nor present your minister to another congregation during that timeframe without your express written permission. While engaged in the Guided Search process itself, we will also refrain from presenting one of your existing ministers to another congregation. In other words, if we are helping you fill a pulpit minister position through a Guided Search, we would not present your youth minister to another Guided Search customer without your express written permission.
What guarantee do we receive with a Guided Search?
Minister Match includes a Replacement Guarantee with every Guided Search engagement. If your new minister leaves voluntarily or is terminated for cause within 12 months of their start date, Minister Match will conduct a replacement search free of charge (less out of pocket expenses). Terms and conditions may apply. See your Guided Search Agreement for complete details.
If you would like to learn more about a Guided Search engagement, we would appreciate the chance to discuss your situation. Please click the Get Started button below to have someone from our office reach out to you for a risk free conversation.
