How do we do a pastoral review?

Regular reviews assist in the overall ministry functioning of a church. It is important that a review of a pastor’s ministry be seen not as simply an evaluation of the pastor’s ministry, but a review of the relationship of congregation and pastor. That is, how can the total ministry and mission be enhanced?

The principle of review has its roots in Scripture. Take Jesus’ parable of the talents. God gives us gifts and talents to serve him and his people. A review has in mind what each person does with what God has given.

Pastoring is a vocation. What the pastor actually does, is a living out of that calling. There is work to be done. More particularly, the church has a mission.

Queensland Baptists have compiled a comprehensive document to assist you in conducting pastoral reviews.  This resource considers 3 types of reviews.

1. Mini reviews typically undertaken 6 months into a new appointment, at the end of a probationary period
2. Annual reviews undertaken to review and help set goals and directions
3. Major reviews commonly undertaken leading up to a recall of a pastor to provide input into whether the pastor should be recalled for a further term

This resource can be accessed here:

• Pastoral Review

If a church would like assistance to conduct an externally facilitated major review, we would encourage you to contact the Director of Pastoral Services to discuss options.   We would normally request an expressions of interest form to be completed to help us define what is required in this external review. This can be accessed here:

• Pastoral Review – What it could look like
• Pastoral Review Initial Information