There has been some things happening to me at my church that has caused me to leave, I believe strongly there is a reason for every hardship we go through and I think this one is so that I can go work in children's minstry on a full time basis. That being said, the week this happened there was an ad in the paper and it was calling my name. Long story short I have an interview for a Children's Ministry Director's Job....YAY! This is the type of job I would do if I didn't get paid at all so I am really nervous.

I am running down possible interview questions in my head so that I can prepare. What questions come to your mind when you think of this type of position?

Also, keep me in your prayers for this I REALLY want this job.

By Pamt on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 12:10 am:

My husband is a minister so I might be able to help you out a bit. However, I am a little perplexed about you saying it was in the paper. Most ministry jobs are the result of a "calling" and not handled through classified ads. They are usually through networking, seminary referrals, etc., so I might be a little concerned about a church putting an ad in the paper. However, different denominations do things different ways too. Also, you mentioned that it is for a "ministry director." So is the position as a minister (i.e., seminary education, called position) or as a director (i.e., "secular" degree, vocation)? If you tell me a little more about the job (and maybe if I knew more about how your denomination does things) I could give you a heads up on the questions. I can say that for a minister-interviewing process, which is usually 3-4 interviews starting with a search committee of about 6-8 people and ultimately being presented to a church and being voted on by the entire church body, that although my husband is originally the one interviewed I end up being interviewed as well...and even my kids to a certain extent. So, just realize that your whole family may be taking part in the interview at some point. At the very least I would anticipate several questions about your marriage and its stability and your family dynamics.

By Emily7 on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 12:26 am:

I hope everything works out well for you! You will be in my prayers!

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 06:17 am:

Chrissy, one of the questions you may be asked is why you left your church. If the church where you will be interviewing is within 200 miles (or more) of the church you left, you can be sure that someone said something to someone that eventually traveled to this church where you think you'd like to work. So I suggest you need to think through this matter very carefully. Sometimes people just say "personality conflict", but churches are very cautious about personality conflicts, so that may not be a good idea. Any church will be very cautious about the possibility of hiring someone who has any potential for being the cause (I didn't say causing, because I don't think you caused anything, but obviously there was some conflict and some at your old church might view you as the cause even if you didn't actually do anything, just because there was something in your personality, style, values, or whatever that eventually led to a disagreement strong enough to cause you to leave). The world of churches and religious bodies is in some ways a small world in that people actively involved in churches tend to talk to people in other churches who are also actively involved, as they have many of the same goals and concerns. Don't let yourself be surprised by this.

I think you need to find the most neutral way of presenting whatever happened that does not blame anyone and that puts you in the best possible light (without any risk that someone will accuse you of not being honest, of course, which I know you would not do).

Children's ministry is, I suspect, just a dressed up way of saying Sunday School director and/or person in charge of all the children's programs at the church, whether church programs or Head Start or whatever - anything related to children. This wouldn't require a ministerial degree, but it is in many ways a pastoral role and there will undoubtedly be questions about where your family intends to attend worship if they wind up offering and you wind up accepting the position.

Other than that, they will want to know your idea of the goals of a Sunday School program, what you think appropriate programs and activities for various age groups and, if they are smart, will particularly want to know what you would do to attract, involve and retain the involvement of adolescents and teens (or at least I would - this is the group closest to the next generation of church members and the most vulnerable age group to drifting away from church).

By Kaye on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 08:15 am:

I have held a similar position at my church. We did advertise when it came open, but we did the ad through the church paper first and had it not been filled would have put it through the paper. Things I was asked....Are you a Christian? They will want more than a yes or no, they will want "Yes I am a Christian, I accepted Christ when I was 12. I currently hold a membership at such and such church. Why do you want this job? What is your vision for this job? Do you think you hav good poeple skills? Do you have any special training that makes you qualified for this job? I personally have a teaching degree in several areas, I am first aid/certified, i attened several conferences/trainings each year through girl scouts, etc. If you don't have any formal training, say that, but you have small children at home. The will ask what your husband does, how long you have been married, how long you have lived here. Hmmm....I will see what else I can think of. Also you might want to think up some questions of your own. Like how many people will work for me, who is in charge of hiring, placing etc. Why is the job vacant? Did someone move or quit? What troubles have they had in this job? Good luck!

By Coopaveryben on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 04:44 pm:

Those are some great suggestions.

I do need to work on the reason I left my church...I've been thinking really hard. I am leaving a Lutheran church (I live in the south and there is only one in this town) and am applying at a United Methodist. I have been trying out different churches. The reason I left is the church got a new Pastor about 6 years ago, before I came, becasue there was a big split in the church. We have been very close with the pastor and his wife and son. His wife is a little on the "crazy" side, she really tries to stir up trouble and anyone who holds a position in the church she will work to get them out. This has happened to a lot of people, she stopped the choir-they haven't had one in over 5 years, she will only let herself or her husband work with the youth--she has ran off countless people, and so on. His wife is upset with me becasue I did not ask one of the people working with the youth last year to leave and she refuses to speak to me. So, This year was renewal of leadership positions in the church, the pastor went to the board and told them that I resigned and didn't want to be the Superintendent anymore and then he sent me a letter addressed from the board saying that the nominating committee has decided to wipe the slate clean and elect a new slate of officers and signed it from the Nominating Committee, so he forged their name to a letter and lied to both of us. I had been praying before I got this letter because I felt like I should leave, that this isn't how a church should be, I got the letter and it was really an answer to my prayer. I was hurt becuase I did a lot of things (raised attendance, highest attended Christmas play ever, highest attended VBS ever, started a Wednesday night program, and lots lots more). Anyway, long story short they are begging me to stay and are having to look at dismissing this pastor for his actions. If you read this far....THANK YOU...I know it is lonnngggg.

So I don't know what to say to them really, I don't want to go into it and I don't want to say anything bad about anyone else. I do feel that God was directing me elsewhere and wants me to serve in a larger capacity than what I have been.

I talked with the church on the phone today and she is calling back to set up an interview. She was conducting phone interviews today and I feel I did well and am fairly certain I will be called for an interview. Do you think it would appear tacky if I attended church this Sunday there? I want to see what it is like before I interview but don't want to appear as though I am "sucking" up.

By Texannie on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 05:27 pm:

I think you answered the question beautifully in your own post.....


I do feel that God was directing me elsewhere and wants me to serve in a larger capacity than what I have been.


Nope, I think going there is a good way to check things out too.

By Mommyathome on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 05:58 pm:

I'm not familiar with the Lutheran or the Methodist religions, but they may ask you if you know all of the principals and *stuff* relating to the Methodist religion.
The Lutheran churches may have practiced certain things that the Methodist church doesn't.
Again, I really have no idea, just thought I'd throw that in there!
(((hugs)))
Hope everything works out for you!

By Amecmom on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 06:14 pm:

Church politics it no fun. I wouldn't get into specifics about why you left your old church. I would just say that you have not been finding the spiritual fulfillment that you need there, and are seeking other churches. You could add that the board decided to put in new people this year, so this has given you an out, because you would have felt bad leaving when there was still work for you to do.
As Robin said, check out the UMC website and find out as much as you can about the beliefs and practices.
Changing religion is a big step and one you should really think about, not just because a job opportunity has opened up, but because you really feel like your church is no longer bringing you closer to God.
It is a very good idea to go to their services and see if it's right for you.
I changed religions, probably without thinking about it long and hard enough and now, I regret having done it.
Good luck and keep praying.
Ame

By Emily7 on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 06:23 pm:

I agree with Annie, you answered it beautifully in your second paragragh.
I think if you are going to interview for this position it is important that you attend church on Sunday. Just in case for some reason you decide you do not like the way that this Pastor preaches. Especially if you will be working closely with him/her.
Good luck.
My thoughts & prayers will be with you.

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 07:20 pm:

Wow. What a mess. I think given what you described, it is probably something that is reasonably well known in professional church circles.

I agree, the way you said it in your short second paragraph is excellent. But, they may press you.

Mulling it over, maybe something like:
There was a major change in church leadership a few years ago and while I would have liked to continue as Church School Superintendent, that would have involved a major confrontation, which I felt and feel would not be healthy for the congregation or any of the individuals involved. I can assure you that my leadership and the quality of the Church School program were never part of the issue, but rather a difference of opinion as to how decisions were made about staffing which related more to personalities than skills or dedication. I don't think it would be appropriate or Christian for me to go into details and hope you won't press me. I would like to talk about your vision for your Church School program, what you see as its strengths and weakenesses, and perhaps outline some projects I initiated which worked particularly well and how I think similar projects might fit in your congregation

While some Lutherans and some Methodist will see major theological differences, having been a member of both churches (Missouri Synod Lutheran, not Evangelical), I don't think they are especially significant in terms of church school teaching or values. I wouldn't see it isa problem.

By Coopaveryben on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 07:49 am:

Thank you all so much, Everyone was so helpful!

I did check the difference between the Lutheran Missouri Synod and United Methodist and there is not much difference the main thing is they don't believe in transfiguration of communion, children can take communion, and the communion table is open to all (which is something I was never in complete agreement on witht the Lutheran religion anyway)and that is pretty much it.

I am writing all the question on my notepad so I can think them over.

Kaye, what types of programs did you do at your church? Were conferances for you figured into the church budget, did you present them to the church and ask permission, or where there certain ones you where expected to attend?

If you have anymore suggestions keep them coming.....they are helping me sooo much

By Amecmom on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 11:49 am:

Do you mean transubstantiation, as in the eucharist becoming the actual body of christ? Transfiguration is something different.
Ame

By Kaye on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 02:28 pm:

I took most of my classes through the girl scouts funded by me. I also visited several churches in the area. I watched conference through willowcreek church in chicago. Mostly this is stuff I did, because it is my passion. I never thought of asking the church to fund any of it, because i enjoyed it so much. I did get paid by hour and when I visited other programs I submitted those hours. When you start looking around through christian book stores, teacher supplies stores, homeschool networks etc, you can find a lot of things to go and listen to!

By Coopaveryben on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 02:59 pm:

Yes I meant....Transubstantiation....i had three kids jumping all over me and yelling when i was typing and I think I just started typing T words. Anyway, yes that is what I mean. Transfiguration is a feast remembering when Jesus was on the mountain...what kids will do to your brain cells.

By Janet on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 11:08 am:

Are you certain about the "few" differences? I grew up United Methodist, and went to a Lutheran college where I learned a bit about the Missouri Synod, and from what I recall, the Synod is very, very traditional. United Methodists, on the other hand, are becoming more and more liberal on just about every issue. The services are completely different, and the way children are taught is also very different, so go into this knowing you may have to leave some of your Lutheran teachings way behind. Just a piece of concerned, friendly advice, not meant to discourage!

By Happynerdmom on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 11:19 am:

Chrissy...did you go to the church yesterday?

By Coopaveryben on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 04:08 pm:

No we didn't get to go, my DS friend was being baptized yesterday and he wanted him to come to his church for that, I forgot I had told him we would be there over 2 weeks ago. But we are definitely going this coming sunday.

Thank you Janet, you are right about the tradional versus liberal. I sent off for info on the UMC and have looked at all sorts of stuff on the web. What do you think are the biggest difference's in the way the children are taught, since that is what concerns me about my own children the most? I do know that I didn't feel that our Lutheran church, which may not be typical, didn't place the value that they should have on the children's department. The only reason we had anything going on was because I jumped in there and did it.

By Bea on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 05:11 pm:

I know that Lutheran, like the Episcopalian churches are liturgical, with a set schedule of prayers that follows a yearly calendar. The Methodist service is not a celebration of the Eucharistic feast. Many Methodist churches don't have weekly communion. Church politics has me afraid to attend any church on a regular basis.

By Texannie on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 05:33 pm:

I was baptised and confirmed a Methodist, was Presbyterian for 20 years and now back at the Methodist church. We do have an corporate worship service with a certain set order. Communion is monthly and at the alter. As far as teaching to children, our church is bible based age appropriate teaching. All Methodist children in the 3rd grade get their bibles. In 6th grade is confirmation.
This site might help compare the 2 side by side for you.
http://www.gospelcenterchurch.org/ComparingDenominations.html

By Coopaveryben on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 01:19 pm:

Annie that was a great site. It was very helpful and has really raised some questions for me. Thank you!

Bea, I hate church politics too. I felt like not returning after what happened to me but I really try to keep in my own corner and be friends with people but not listen to the gossip and such....this is really hard for me.