Worship Pastor for 30+ Years Wants to be an XP

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Hey Fletch … I’ve been on the phone with a friend where my son is on staff. He suggested that I reach out to you. I’ve served 30+ years in Worship Ministry at large Baptist churches and have been on the executive team for each church. Also, I was 8 years in a secular business. I am feeling a call to move toward the role of Executive Pastor and want to see what opportunities are available. Would it be possible to talk further about next steps?

DRF—First let me say that I would be pleased to visit with you. You have great experience in executive level leadership in significant churches. That will give you plenty of insight and wisdom for the XP role. Having business experience as well is a bonus.

The XP role is a multi-disciplinary one. A Youth Pastor can specialize in youth and a Worship pastor can specialize in worship. The XP must know how to lead youth and worship pastors, finance, HR, legal, insurance, ministry strategy, budgets, relationships with the governing board, congregational communication—just to name a few.

I would suggest that you read “Three Kinds of XPs.” Discern what type of XP you might be best at. Take the XP-Indicator to see your giftedness as a leader. Then, take a look at the rest of the XPastor site, especially the “First Six Months” items. Finally, take a look at the Great Resumes to see how to share your good ministry experience with others.

Let me know when you are ready for a phone call.

By David Fletcher|2021-10-10T11:10:00-05:00April 17th, 2018|Searching|

About the Author: David Fletcher

As an experienced pastor, Fletch knows church life. As a professor, he delivers insightful material. As a seasoned coach, he helps you grow. Dr. David Fletcher is often called "The Dean of Executive Pastors." Fletch was a pastor for 35 years in churches from 1,000-8,000 members, single and multisite, churches with mergers, camps, schools, apartments and cafés. He founded XPastor in 2003 and its 1,300 free articles from over 350 authors have become a principal resource for leaders in a complex church world.