When searching for a ministry position, you can come across some interesting job descriptions. Sometimes the wording is warm and clear, and sometimes the red flags practically wave themselves. If you’re a pastor looking for a healthy church home, recognizing these red flags early can save you from heartbreak, burnout, and a fast return to the job boards.
Spotting Red Flags Before the Interview
A pastoral job posting isn’t just an announcement. It’s a window into the church’s culture, expectations, and internal tensions. Paying attention to how a church communicates its needs will help you discern if the role aligns with your calling and capacity. Here are ten clear red flags that signal you should slow down, ask more questions, or possibly walk away.
1. Unrealistic expectations disguised as “flexibility”
Some postings use language like “must be willing to work irregular hours” or “ministry is not a 9-to-5 job.” True, ministry doesn’t punch a time clock, but this wording often signals a lack of boundaries. Healthy churches respect your time, not treat it as unlimited.
Tip: Ask how the leadership protects pastoral rest and Sabbath.
RELATED: ChurchJobFinder
2. No mention of a support team
If the job posting expects the pastor to lead worship, run youth ministry, oversee discipleship, preach weekly, manage conflict resolution, and take out the trash… something’s wrong. A church that expects one person to function as an entire staff is waving a bright red flag.
Application: Request an org chart. If one doesn’t exist, that’s another warning.
RELATED: Great Questions to Ask a Search Committee
3. A suspiciously vague job description
“Looking for a pastor to help our church grow.” That tells you nothing. Vague language usually hides deeper issues, especially around leadership structure, expectations, or unresolved conflict.
Question to ask: What specific responsibilities will fill a typical week?
4. Frequent references to past conflict
If the posting mentions “healing,” “renewal,” or “moving past challenges” without clarity, the church may still be in active conflict. You deserve to know whether you’re inheriting a battlefield.
Tip: Ask how long the previous pastor served and how the transition ended.
