Discerning Motivation for Ministry: An Interview Guide

I. Initial Interview Data - Past History

1. Describe your experience of your home parish.
2. What kinds of church involvement did you have during high school?  College?  Post college?
3. What kinds of community and civic involvement did you have during college?  Post college?
4. Describe your work history since high school:  job? duration? type of work? reason for termination? degree of satisfaction?
5. Describe the kinds of people interaction that most appeal to you.  That hold least appeal for you.
6. What specifically about church and ministry appeals to you?
7. What about the life and lifestyle of a pastor appeals to you?
8. When did the idea of a life of service through ordained pastoral ministry first occur to you?  Under what circumstances?  How has that call been nurtured?
9. If a life in pastoral ministry would not be possible for you, what are your other career and vocational options?

II. Secondary Interview Data - Self Perception

1. Describe what you believe to be your dominant personality traits.  Describe what you believe others would identify as your dominant personality traits.
2. Name the gifts and talents you believe you possess for ministry.
3. What excites you about ministry?
4. What kinds of affirmation do you need in order to function healthfully?
5. What about ministry is likely to frustrate you?  What is your threshold of frustration?
6. What aspects about you are likely to create difficulties in ministry?
7. How do you recreate and release tension?  What are your coping mechanisms?
8. Describe your gifts for relating with other people.
9. How do you understand the authority of the Church?  How do you relate to this authority?  What, if any, are your personal "conscience crunches?"
10. Describe what you believe a minister's priorities ought to be in reference to pastoral ministry.  How do you relate to these priorities?

III. Final Interview Date - Ministerial Readiness

1. What kind of leadership is needed in the Church?  How do you measure against this description?
2. What kind of spirituality is needed in society today?  How does your spirituality contribute thereto?
3. What is your understanding of a social justice outreach on the part of the Church and its ministers?  What role will social justice play in your ministry?
4. Describe your associations with needy persons.  In what capacity?  With what degree of comfort?
5. What is the purpose of a worship service?  How do you see yourself as a leader of worship?
6. Describe yourself as a care-giver.
7. How do you anticipate balancing ministry needs with personal needs?
8. What about you ought colleagues in ministry be sure to keep in mind?  What would you like to know about them?