Pastor Pointers for Resumes

Getting a pastorate may require your resume. I see a lot of them! Our active file averages 100. I also observe how search commitee members react to resumes. I see this at two strategic times. First, a search member peruses our files to select those to take back to the committee. Second, when I meet with the committee at church,I hear their questions or comments on their resumes. I offer these pointers:

NEATNESS- A messy resume is a quick reject!                                                                              

BREVITY- Summarize! 2 pages will suffice.If the Lord is in this, times will come to share details.             

CONTACT INFO- At top, right under your name. Include address, phone(s), email.                              

PAPER- White, unstapled (to facilitate copying).                                                                            

PICTURE-Optional, but probably won't copy well (can be individual/couple/family).                         

OBJECTIVE- First category after contact info. Include the position sought.                                  

MINISTRY EXPERIENCE- From present, backwards.Church name, position, starting & ending yrs.         

EDUCATION- Institution, degree & date. Most recent, backwards.With 2 degrees, omit HS.                      

SECULAR EXPERIENCE- Only if it was significant OR you have little ministry experience.                

MILITARY-If you served, it's worth mentioning.                                                              

DENOMINATIONAL SERVICE- Significant entries are worth mentioning.                                             

HONORS- Any big ones? Don't sweat the small stuff!                                                               

REFERENCES- An optional ending, especially if they have name recogition. 2-4, with contact info.      

COVER LETTER- Optional, especially if extenuating circumstances.

Decide how discreetly or widely to share your resume. Ministry friends? Your seminary placement office? State/local offices of your denomination? You may send it yourself to committees which ask or advertise, otherwise have someone who knows you to send it with a cover letter.