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1/6 A common failing I have seen in churches is when it comes to appointing elders (and Pastors are just glorified elders) is a failure by the rank and file to actually check if this is true: "He must also have a good reputation with outsiders" 1:Tim 3:7...; a thread
2/6 This means those who are not in the church, most likely non-Christians, but not necessarily. It means literally those who are not in the church think well of the elder /pastor being appointed. But be honest, when your selection committee brings a name to the church ..
3/6 for ratification do you, the regular member check for yourself to see what kind of reputation this new appointee has? Most just "trust" their leaders have done due diligence , but this is foolish in the extreme as no shortage of abused church members can affirm.
4/6 try calling someone from their old church, check with their workplace and sporting clubs and other volunteer organisations this new candidate frequents. Don't just rely on the candidates self nominated references, nor or the leadership's say so,
5/6 Check with people you know that know the candidate. Most selection committees do not do this. Particularly Pastor selections can be a good 'ol boy's club , where a mate hires a mate in a pseudo transparent selection process.
6/6 As a result unfit candidates, with histories of abuse or unresolved conflicts simply get passed like a virus from one church to another.
