If a church is seeking to hire a new pastor, how old should he be?
Based on what I’m seeing in the Christian community these days, most churches are looking to hire pastors who are 35-50 years of age. In fact, I recently saw an ad where a church stated they preferred candidates ages 30 to 50. (Isn’t it illegal to advertise the age you’re seeking?)
This trend is understandable. Someone in that 20-year age span probably:
*has started a family.
*has completed his education.
*is in good health and possesses loads of energy.
*knows technology and social media.
*can reach younger families.
*understands popular culture and its language.
*intends to stay for many years.
I was ordained at age 26 and became a solo pastor at age 27. Although my pastor felt I was ready to lead a church, I wanted to wait until I was 30.
In retrospect, I wish I’d become an associate pastor for 2-3 years before becoming a pastor. The jump from youth pastor to pastor is quite a leap.
From ages 27-35, I got beat up … a lot. Every other Monday, I wanted to resign. Maybe this is why 70% of seminary grads quit the ministry 5 years after leaving school. Church ministry is hard work … and can be soul-damaging.
But the best years of my ministry started when I was 35 … unlike most athletes, who are washed up by that age.
However, once a pastor passes 50 years of age … some would say 55 … it’s very difficult to be hired by a church. Why?
*The pastor’s kids may have grown up and left home … and some churches want a pastor with kids.
*A pastor 50+ is probably slowing down and lacks the energy of his youth.
*An unspoken concern is that an older pastor may become chronically ill or even die due to ministry stress. (I knew a church where the pastor had a heart attack and it took him 9 months to recover.)
*There may be concerns that an older pastor won’t be able to relate to youth or younger families.
*And the perception is that an older pastor may be set in his ways.
However, I believe that many churches could benefit from hiring older pastors … those 50 and up. Examples:
*My mother’s church in Arizona hired a pastor who was 58. The church has grown significantly, having just remodeled their worship center.
*A long-time friend and college classmate – who is in his late 50s – was recently hired as pastor of a church in New England.
*Another friend and seminary classmate became a pastor in his fifties … he’s almost 60 now … and the church he leads is growing like crazy.
*The pastor of the church we attended in Arizona … one of America’s best churches … is in his sixties.
*A pastor whose church I visited in Arizona leads a church for seniors … and he’s having the time of his life!
In fact, many pastors enjoy their best years after age 50.
What are the benefits of hiring an older pastor?
*He knows his God-given calling, temperament, and giftedness and so is more secure with himself. Many younger pastors struggle for years trying to figure these things out … and some never do.
*He knows that he doesn’t have the energy to do everything … a temptation most younger pastors have … so he chooses to share the ministry with other gifted staff and leaders.
*He has a 20-30 year history of knowing what works and doesn’t work in church ministry … so he can focus on what works instead.
*He may not need to be paid as much as a younger pastor. (He may not need as big a home, but he does need medical insurance!)
*He isn’t shocked by the misbehavior of Christians … has been through most life experiences … and has developed a compassionate heart.
*He isn’t as anxious or impatient as many younger pastors are … and these traits have a calming effect on the entire church.
Contrary to popular perception, many older pastors do use social media … and keep up with the culture well … and love all forms of music (rock included) … and are very healthy … and would be willing to make ministry commitments of 5-10 years. In fact, I’ve been told that some churches prefer to hire an older, “bridge” pastor for 5-7 years before hiring someone younger.
Hiring a pastor … just like anyone else … all comes down to fit.
In many situations, a younger pastor works best.
But for other scenarios, an older pastor might be optimal.
Why should a church consider an older pastor?
I’d love to hear your reasons!
My pastor is sixty and has many more years ahead of him, and well loved. Unfortunately not all congregations are that loving and excepting, as we all know. I don’t see much Christ like people in the churches I have visited.people are in their clicks and aren’t warm to let people in. For unbelievers, that is the opposite of what they need. I think there needs to be more messages about unity. Jim’I always enjoy reading your message. Thank you for writing.
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Thanks for your comments, Sara! I love your first line: “My pastor is sixty and has many more years ahead of him …” You’re probably right on that score. I thank God that you’re in a loving church and that you’re happy there. God bless you!
Jim
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60 is the new 40
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I agree with you wholeheartedly … now we just have to convince pastoral search teams!
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Jim I love having you as a pastor I got a lot out of your messages. Unfortunatly, you and Kim are the only reason i stayed. Most of the time i felt like I was alone. Unity and love and compassion need to be preached and heard more.
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When I was on the pastor search team I noticed that the average number of years most applicants stayed at any one church was 4-6 years. Of course there were exceptions, but if a church is looking for a long term pastor, I say hire someone who is at least 50. At that age he still has 15-20 years in ministry but may not want to move around anymore.
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I appreciate your mature viewpoint, Ce Ce. Sadly, pastors 50+ who leave a church usually have just one ministry option these days: become an interim. Ageism is alive and well in the Christian community. If we could just take the collective experience of former pastors and channel it in the right direction, Christ’s kingdom could advance even more.
Your next comment will be Number 100! I look forward to reading it.
Jim
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