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!
Restoring Kingdom Builders 