The Candidate You Let Get Away

When great candidates disappear from your church's hiring process, it's rarely about salary or location. Top-tier ministry candidates evaluate your church's communication, vision clarity, and culture before deciding whether to continue pursuing a role.

• Churches lose candidates through long gaps in communication
• Vague or inconsistent messaging about the role or hiring process raises red flags
• Overly rigid interviews that feel like interrogations drive people away
• Not involving real staff members in the process isolates candidates
• Top candidates often won't explain why they're walking away—they simply vanish
• Communicate often, even if just to say you haven't forgotten about them
• Show candidates your real culture by introducing them to future teammates
• Be honest about both challenges and opportunities at your church
• Clarify timelines and ensure candidates feel guided through the process
• Remember that your best candidates have options and are looking for a place they can trust

Respond to me with feedback at [e-mail]. Check out my new book "Silent Alarm" about today's church staffing climate at chemistrystaffing.com/silentalarm.

Have questions or comments? Send to [e-mail]

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Is Your Church Hiring?
If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help.

Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role?
If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.