Don’t Just Send a Resume

Don’t Just Send a Resume is one of those books that you will want to read over and over again whenever you consider applying for a job in church ministry and even in para church ministry.

Have you ever considered applying for a job in your local church? Have you ever been in a church that is looking for a new Pastor? Have you ever sat on a committee that is looking for a new Pastor?

If you replied yes to any of those, then you need to get this book!

There are so many books out there about how to be a pastor and a good and faithful church worker but this is the first book that I have read which helps you with all of the practicalities leading up to actually getting the job.

Benjamin writes in such a simply, humorous and caring way because he knows the struggles and difficulties of searching for a ministry job and transitions from one church to another. The book is full, and I mean FULL, of really helpful and practical insights that involve every step of the way to get a job in a church. Everything from resume to visiting the church, everything from phone conversations to interview questions, Benjamin has packed it all in and created a book that will change the way you approach a job application.

In addition to his really helpful advice he pulled in 12 other contributors, most of whom the majority of us will have heard of, and they give their advice and take on certain parts of the application process.

One of the great things that I loved about this book is that it isn’t written solely with the Pastor in mind, but it considers the whole family and the implications of a new ministry job for them too.

There are three parts to the book.
 1. Smoking the Curve
Basically how to do the initial step sin job searching that are helpful to think about. These chapters look at the resume and also the connection that are helpful to make so that you will even know that a ministry job is on the go.

2. Making the Move
These chapter speak about the process after the application is handed in; how you speak to people on the phone and in the interview, how clear you need to be about your theology, etc.

3. Finishing the Race
These chapters focus on how you leave one ministry post and take up another, the clear message is ‘Finish well!’. It’s so easy to stop pulling your weight when you know you’re leaving somewhere, but that’s not helpful for the church or for the pastor. These chapters also speak about starting well, getting a good run at things and being thankful for all God has done.

This book has really helpful appendixes with a job-search checklist and 131 questions to ask a potential employer. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is thinking of church ministry! It is written so well and weaved through Benjamin’s thoughts are helpful contributions from others.

If you read this book you will not be disappointed! I plan to pick it up anytime I have a conversation with people about church ministry and pointing them to its advice and tips. If you live in the UK and would like a free audiobook copy of Don’t Just Send a Resume drop me an email and I can get that sorted for you.

Rating 5/5

Benjamin and his wife Brooke have six children. Benjamin enjoys reading, wrestling with his children, dating his wife, eating at Chipotle, and riding his bicycle in the early hours of the morning. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri and a masters in divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary. He is a teaching pastor at Community Evangelical Free Church in Harrisburg, PA. He has written for Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition, and For The Church.