Guidelines and Information

Provide a convenient place to connect

The Christian Compass makes information about available preachers and congregational openings easier to find. This service does not exercise authority over congregations or preachers, appoint anyone to a work, or make arrangements on behalf of either party. Participants communicate directly and remain responsible for their own decisions.

Review submissions for compliance with posting requirements

Submissions are reviewed before publication for completeness and reasonable compliance with these guidelines. This includes the submitter’s affirmation that the appropriate communication has taken place and the required supporting information has been provided.

This review ordinarily relies on information and assurances supplied by the submitter. It does not mean that every statement has been independently verified or that everyone involved has been contacted. Clarification or additional information may be requested before a posting is published.

Do not arbitrate separations or disputes

The Christian Compass does not serve as an arbitrator of negative circumstances or disagreements surrounding the separation of a preacher and congregation. Publication does not establish that either party’s account is correct, that a separation was justified, or that all concerns have been resolved.

Relevant concerns should be addressed during discussions between the prospective congregation and preacher and, where appropriate, through references or others directly involved. The requirement that both parties be aware of a search is a condition of using this service; it is not a judgment about the circumstances of their separation.

Publication does not constitute endorsement

A listing does not constitute an endorsement of a preacher or congregation, certification of doctrinal soundness, or a guarantee of character, financial support, or suitability for a particular work. Recommendations reflect the testimony of their authors and do not replace the prospective parties’ responsibility to ask questions, check references, and make an informed assessment.

Maintain the integrity of the listings

A posting may be declined, held for clarification, or removed if it is unauthorized, materially inaccurate, misleading, outdated, or otherwise inconsistent with these guidelines. Concerns about a posting should be communicated privately and specifically. A complaint does not, by itself, establish wrongdoing.

Decisions about publication concern the use of this service. They are not declarations about a person’s faithfulness, a congregation’s standing, or matters of fellowship.

Leave decisions and agreements with the participants

The congregation and preacher are responsible for evaluating one another, discussing concerns, negotiating support and responsibilities, and honoring the arrangements they make. The Christian Compass does not guarantee that a listing will result in an agreement or that a resulting working relationship will be successful.

Provide accurate information

Postings must honestly represent the preacher, congregation, and opportunity described. Submit only information you are authorized to provide, and obtain permission before including another person’s contact information or recommendation.

Communicate before submitting a posting

When a preacher is currently serving a congregation, both the preacher and the congregation must be aware of the search before a posting is submitted. A congregation seeking another preacher must have informed its current preacher. A preacher seeking or openly considering another work must have informed the congregation he currently serves. This includes an established arrangement under which both parties understand that the preacher may consider other opportunities.

Awareness of the search does not necessarily mean that a departure date has been established or that both parties agree about every circumstance. It does mean that this service must not be used to announce a previously undisclosed search to the other party.

If a congregation has no current preacher, identify that circumstance in the submission. A preacher who is beginning his preaching work or is not currently serving a congregation should communicate with the leadership of his home congregation before submitting a profile, making them aware that he is seeking or considering opportunities. If you are unsure how these expectations apply to your situation, explain it privately before requesting publication.

Be clear about timing and existing commitments

Distinguish willingness to discuss an opportunity from readiness to begin a new work. Identify anticipated availability, applicable notice periods, and whether a proposed start date depends on completing an existing agreement or reaching an agreement about an earlier departure. Congregations should likewise make their desired starting date and any flexibility clear.

Communicate respectfully and responsibly

Public postings should describe the person or opportunity and must not be used to publish accusations, air grievances, or criticize a former or current working relationship. Relevant concerns should be addressed honestly during private discussions between prospective parties and, where appropriate, through references or others directly involved.

Keep your listing current

Notify The Christian Compass when information changes, when a search ends, or when a posting should be removed. Submitters are responsible for ensuring that their listings continue to reflect their circumstances accurately.

Submit with the congregation’s authorization

The person submitting a posting must be authorized to represent the congregation in its search. Provide a designated contact who can answer inquiries and explain how the congregation will consider prospective preachers.

Describe the congregation and work accurately

Provide a useful introduction to the congregation, including its location, approximate attendance, leadership arrangements, and relevant beliefs and practices. Explain the type of work being offered, the anticipated starting date, and the responsibilities you hope a preacher will undertake. Clearly distinguish firm requirements from preferences and matters open to discussion.

Identify your goals and areas of needed assistance

Describe the congregation’s priorities, such as strengthening evangelism, grounding new Christians, developing teachers or beginning preachers, working toward establishing an eldership, or preparing qualified men to serve as deacons. Include other needs particular to your congregation.

Explain what members are already doing toward these goals and how they intend to participate. These are shared efforts in which a preacher may assist; the congregation’s responsibilities do not become his alone. Goals involving elders and deacons must remain subject to scriptural qualifications.

Be transparent about financial support

State the amount or range of support the congregation can presently commit, along with any housing, relocation assistance, or other provisions. Distinguish support already secured from additional support that would still need to be obtained.

If local support may be insufficient, be willing to discuss the preacher’s needs and assist in seeking additional support from other congregations as needed. Explain what assistance the congregation can offer, who would undertake those efforts, and whether the proposed arrangement depends on obtaining that support. Do not present anticipated contributions from others as guaranteed.

Approach the arrangement as a mutual agreement

A posting begins a conversation. Responsibilities, support, time commitments, outside employment, time away, and other practical arrangements should be discussed openly and agreed upon by both the congregation and the preacher. Allow the prospective preacher to explain his needs, commitments, and understanding of the work.

Before either party makes a commitment, put the principal terms in writing so both have a clear, shared understanding.

Respect existing commitments and discuss the transition

Ask when the preacher could reasonably begin and whether that timing depends on completing his current work, giving notice, or reaching an agreement about an earlier departure. Be clear about the congregation’s own timing and flexibility, and allow for an orderly transition.

Make your own informed assessment

Take time to discuss Scripture, listen to the preacher’s teaching, review his experience and recommendations, and contact references as appropriate. Give him a corresponding opportunity to learn about the congregation and ask questions.

Any relevant concerns about a previous or current working relationship should be addressed honestly during these discussions and, where appropriate, with others directly involved. Publication on The Christian Compass does not establish a preacher’s suitability for your congregation or replace your responsibility to consider these matters.

Provide an accurate and useful profile

Introduce yourself and describe your preaching experience, preparation, and the type of work you are seeking. Include relevant mentoring, training, and opportunities to teach, along with sermon recordings or written materials where available. Beginning preachers are welcome; describe your preparation honestly without feeling that you must present an extensive history of experience.

Explain what opportunities you are considering

State whether you are actively seeking a work, open to discussing relocation, or beginning your preaching work. Identify relevant geographic preferences and whether you are considering full-time, part-time, temporary, or training opportunities. Explain any practical needs that would materially affect your ability to accept a work.

Communicate with your current or home congregation

Before submitting a profile, make the leadership of the congregation you currently serve aware that you are seeking or considering another work. If you are beginning or are not currently serving a congregation, communicate with the leadership of your home congregation. An existing arrangement that permits consideration of other opportunities should be understood by both parties.

State your availability and honor existing commitments

Indicate when you anticipate being available to begin another work. If you are serving under an agreement with an established ending date or notice period, account for those commitments in your stated availability.

If an earlier departure would require further agreement, make that condition clear. If your current congregation supports your moving to another work when a suitable opportunity arises, explain that your starting date can be discussed in keeping with that arrangement. You do not need to publish private agreement documents, but prospective congregations should understand any conditions affecting your availability.

Provide a letter of commendation or recommendation

Include a letter from the leadership of your current or home congregation from people familiar with your character, teaching, and work. Those beginning a preaching career should obtain a recommendation from their home congregation; a recommendation from a preacher who has trained or mentored them is also encouraged.

Recommendations should identify the writer, explain how and for how long he has known you, and describe what he can personally commend. Obtain permission before providing the writer’s contact information. Submit these materials separately from your public profile; they will not be published without permission.

If you cannot obtain a congregational recommendation, explain the circumstances privately before requesting publication so that suitable alternative references can be considered.

Discuss the work and support openly

Be prepared to explain your understanding of an evangelist’s work, the ways you hope to serve, and your support needs. Discuss responsibilities, housing, relocation, outside employment, time away, and other relevant arrangements before accepting an opportunity.

Where additional support would be needed, work with the prospective congregation to determine how it would be sought and what must be secured before the work can begin. Put the principal terms of the arrangement in writing so both parties share the same understanding.

Make your own informed assessment

Take time to learn about the congregation’s beliefs, practices, leadership, goals, and expectations. Ask questions and seek references or conversations with those familiar with the congregation where appropriate.

Discuss relevant circumstances surrounding your departure honestly, while respecting the privacy of others and avoiding unnecessary accusations. Publication of a congregational opening on The Christian Compass is not an endorsement or a guarantee that the work will be suitable for you.

Submit your posting for review

Use the submission form on the appropriate listing page and follow its instructions for providing your completed posting or profile, brief public summary, and any required supporting materials. The available templates will help you include the information prospective preachers or congregations need.

Provide a reliable email address for questions about your submission. Postings are reviewed and published manually; submitting a request does not immediately place it on the website. Additional information or clarification may be requested before publication.

Separate public information from private materials

Clearly identify the document and contact information intended for publication. Submit recommendation letters, private explanations, and administrative information separately from the public posting. Materials designated as private will not be included in the public listing without permission.

Include only information you are comfortable making publicly available. Published documents may be downloaded, copied, or shared, and removing a listing cannot retrieve copies others have already obtained.

Authorize publication

By submitting a posting for publication, you confirm that you are authorized to provide its contents and give The Christian Compass permission to publish the designated document, summary, and public contact information.

Minor formatting or spelling corrections may be made for clarity and consistency. Changes that materially affect the meaning or substance of your submission will be referred to you for approval.

Request updates or removal

Use the submission form on the relevant listing page to request an update or removal. Identify the preacher or congregation and explain what should change. When replacing a document, provide a complete revised copy so the correct version can be published.

Whenever possible, send requests using the email address associated with the original submission. Additional confirmation may be requested to prevent unauthorized changes. Updates and removals are handled manually.

Keep your availability current

Notify The Christian Compass promptly when a congregation’s opening is filled, a preacher is no longer available, or circumstances materially change. You may request removal without providing a public explanation.

Please confirm that your listing remains accurate every 90 days. Listings that have not been reconfirmed may be removed until their status is updated.

Report concerns privately

If you believe a listing is unauthorized, materially inaccurate, or inconsistent with these guidelines, contact The Christian Compass privately. Identify the listing and provide specific information relevant to the concern.

Reports will be considered in relation to the posting requirements. They do not initiate arbitration of a disagreement between a preacher and congregation, and an allegation alone does not establish wrongdoing.