Search Teams Are Looking at Your Social Media

When I receive a pastoral resume that looks intriguing, one of the first things I do is attempt to learn more about them through social media. I will check to see if they are on Facebook or other social media platforms. I want to get a glimpse of them beyond the resume. What people post online gives us a picture of their interest and passions.  It can also reveal their heart and character.

There have been numerous times that what a person has posted online has caused our search teams to decide not to pursue a candidate. There have also been numerous times that what is posted online gives us encouragement to continue to pursue them.

As you pursue positions within a local church, be mindful that what you have posted online may very well be seen by a church search team. Are the values and convictions that you share in your resume also represented through your pictures and comments online.

The pictures you posted 6 years ago in college way before you ever thought about pursuing pastoral ministry may become a part of the evaluation for a search team. Your political positions. The issues you debate. The things you “like” and “share” will be brought into the greater conversation about whether you are a fit for the position.

One of the things I consider as I view what people post is the manner in which they speak. Do they tend to be negative in their comments? Are they critical about other people? Do they seem to be quick to get angry about issues and events in their life. This gives me an insight how they will interact within our staff and the congregation. Also, through their comments and post is it evident that this is a person pursuing Christ? Is the fruit of the Spirit revealed through how they are presenting themselves online.

As you enter into the search process, take a moment and put on the hat of a search team member. Take a look at your social member presence and ask the questions, “what does my Facebook page or twitter account reveal about me? Is this consistent with what I am desiring to communicate to a church?” That process is not only helpful in the search process but it is also helpful as you evaluate what you are communicating to the online world.

We live in a world in which a lot of information is available. Be aware that this information very well be used to determine whether a church search committee decides to continue with you in their process.