Annual pastoral reviews are vital for sustaining a healthy church ministry. They benefit the pastor, elders, and congregation by fostering mutual understanding, aligning expectations, and encouraging a proactive culture of improvement. This in turn strengthens the church’s unity and vitality. For elders, the process affords a regular time to reflect on the pastor’s performance and the church’s direction. The pastor is relieved to know that potential issues are addressed early. The congregation likewise benefits from a minister who is continually progressing.
1. Start by Building Consensus Among the Elders
I advise that the pastor be absent while elders form a consensus about his strengths, weaknesses, and goals. This prevents confusion about whether comments reflect the majority’s view or just one elder’s opinion. Suppose one elder suggests “much longer sermons.” The others say nothing, however, figuring the pastor ‘should know better’ than to heed that advice. Without clear consensus, the pastor may be uncertain about how to proceed or even go the wrong direction.
Excluding the pastor at this stage encourages open dialogue. Elders can freely express their views without searching for the perfect words. It also preserves unity by preventing the pastor from associating criticism with specific elders. Any feedback he receives comes from the consistory as a whole.
Be specific when describing areas for improvement. Vague advice like “visitation could be better” isn’t helpful. Instead, offer clear guidance: “We are directing you to aim for at least two family visits every month and to limit sermon length to forty minutes most weeks.” Specificity provides the pastor with actionable steps, paving the way for real progress.
2. Document and Communicate the Results to the Pastor
Once a consensus is formed, document the results in a report to be archived with the Minutes. Written records ensure progress can be tracked and offer safeguards against misunderstanding or forgetfulness. I recommend that two elders go over the report with the pastor in person, perhaps over a meal or coffee. This warm approach helps offset potential discouragement and allows the pastor to ask for clarifications if necessary.
3. Additional Advice for Effective Reviews
Balance is key in any review. Alongside areas for improvement, be sure to highlight the pastor’s strengths and achievements. Positive reinforcement can be incredibly encouraging. Give consideration, as well, to the well being of his family.
You don’t have to wait until the annual review to offer personal encouragement or constructive criticism. If the pastor says or does something that blesses or bothers you enough to dwell on it, consider speaking with him privately before setting it before the consistory.
The most obvious piece of advice for conducting pastoral reviews is to ensure they actually happen. Yet we have all heard of situations where the pastor discovers too late that aspects of his ministry have been causing problems. When reviews are not regular, calling for one can seem to signal that “something is wrong.” This leads to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Therefore, it’s better to conduct reviews at fixed times in the year. Postpone for a few weeks, if necessary, but don't put reviews off to the next year. Ultimately, pastoral reviews are not formalities; they are about building up the pastor, aligning the leadership, and providing better care for the congregation as we share in Christ’s mission. With that in mind, bathe every step of the process in prayer. Ask God to provide humility, charity, insight, and unity to everyone involved.
