Most pastors serving in associate pastor positions will at some point consider pursuing a lead pastor role. I currently serve as an Executive Pastor and have wrestled through this question myself over the past ten years. Whether you are confident in your desire to be a lead pastor or are still wrestling with that decision, here are four questions to help you discern your readiness.

1. If my current church were looking for a lead pastor, are there characteristics about me that would give them pause in considering me for the role?

A genuine answer to this question requires honest and maybe difficult self-examination. Of course, we are all fallen human beings with weaknesses and shortcomings in which we need further sanctification. But, the potential areas of concern here deal with issues that could hinder your ability to successfully fulfill the role of lead shepherd. Some concerns may be in matters you can’t control, like your age or experience. There are, though, probably areas that you can grow and develop. Issues that are obvious weaknesses in your current role will be magnified as a lead pastor if not addressed. Ask some trusted friends to give you their honest observations and determine to work on the items they share.

2. Am I pastoring in my current role?

This question does not refer to having the title of pastor; it concerns fulfilling the function of a pastor in your current ministry.  Are you visiting sick members in the hospital? Are you leading your ministry with the good of the whole church in mind and not solely focused on your ministry? Are you pushing past personal differences with members and shepherding the whole flock? Are you getting some preaching experience?

Just as we would not send a missionary to a foreign field who is not currently involved in evangelism and discipleship, we would not send a pastor to oversee another congregation when he is not actively shepherding his current flock.

3. Do I love the grind of preparing a sermon week after week?

Serving as a lead pastor involves many responsibilities, but a primary one is to stand before your congregation on Sunday morning and deliver a sermon that you have prayed and labored over for many hours. . . .  then do it again the next week, and the next, and the next. Does that cycle excite and motivate you?

Your answer to this question may very well have to be, “I don’t know, because I’ve never had to do it before.”  That’s fair. To help answer this question, consider taking an opportunity to teach a weekly Sunday School class or small group. If your current role allows you to do so, volunteer for a multi-week pulpit supply opportunity in a sister congregation and determine to prepare new messages. How do you respond to that weekly responsibility?

4. What is my motivation for wanting a lead role?

Answer honestly. Is it for the salary? Is it for a desire to have a larger platform? In our service to the Lord, we must constantly stay on guard against the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 Jn.2:16). Pursuing a lead pastor role for self-promotion or career advancement is dangerous and can be harmful to your family and your congregation. The motive of a lead pastor must come from a desire to humbly serve our Lord and Savior and to obediently follow His leading.

We need more pastors. Statistics tell us that we have a desperate shortage of qualified men willing to lead local congregations. I hope that these questions will help you discern if God is calling you to fill this challenging but rewarding role.