Pastor Resume: Post Yours Free

What search committees look for in a pastor, what belongs on the resume, and where churches can find it.

When a church is looking for its next pastor, the search committee usually ends up with a stack of resumes and very little time. They read quickly at first, looking for reasons to keep reading. A pastor resume that is clear about the work you have done, where you did it and how long you stayed gets that second read.

What churches look for in a pastor

Preaching and teaching. Committees want to hear you, so make your sermons easy to find. The resume should say how often you preach and in what settings.
Pastoral care. Hospital visits, funerals, counseling, and the slow work of shepherding a congregation. Name it.
Leadership with others. Elders, deacons, boards, staff and volunteers. Committees want to know how you lead with people, not only in front of them.
Tenure and transitions. Long pastorates are read as stability. Short ones aren't disqualifying, but a one-line explanation helps.
Fit with their tradition. Denomination, ordination and convictions. Be clear and honest, because the right church needs to recognize you.

What to include on the resume

A one-line focus. For example: "Senior pastor, eighteen years in congregational ministry."
Each pastorate in reverse order. Give the church, the city, the dates and the approximate size. Add three to five bullets about what you actually did, such as preaching schedule, staff you led, ministries started and changes you navigated.
Education, ordination and credentials. List degrees, the seminary, the ordaining body and any licensure.
Selected service. Associations, boards and teaching outside the church. Keep it short.
Sermon links. Two or three recent messages that sound like an ordinary Sunday.

Save the full statement of faith and philosophy of ministry for when the church asks for them. They matter, but they belong in a separate document, not on page one.

Senior, solo and interim pastors

A solo pastor does a bit of everything, and the resume should say so. Committees in smaller churches want to know you can preach, visit, administer and lead volunteers in the same week. A senior pastor of a larger church should show how they led a staff and set direction. Interim pastors should list each assignment and what the church needed during that season.

How posting on Ministry Well works

Posting your resume is free. When you fill out the form, select every pastor position that fits you, add your PDF and up to three video links, and fill in your state, years of experience, denomination and seminary. Churches use those fields to filter. The public sees only your name and roles. Churches with an active job listing can open your full profile and contact you directly.

Post your resume free

It takes a few minutes. Add a PDF, choose the roles you would consider, and update it whenever your situation changes.

Post your resume →

Recently posted pastor resumes

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Public profiles show a preview. Churches with an active job listing see full resumes and contact details.

Questions

How long should a pastor resume be?

Two pages is enough for most pastors. If a committee wants more, they will ask for a fuller packet, sermon links or a statement of faith later in the process.

Should I include sermon links?

Yes, if you preach. On Ministry Well you can add up to three video links to your profile. Pick recent sermons that represent your ordinary Sunday, not only your best day.

Should I list my doctrinal positions on the resume?

Keep the resume itself focused on experience. Note your denomination or tradition, and have a statement of faith ready to send when a church asks for it.

Can senior, solo and interim pastors all post here?

Yes. Choose the pastor positions that fit you when you fill out the form, so churches searching for that role can find your profile.

What does posting cost?

Nothing. Posting is free for candidates. Listings stay online 6 months; renew for another free 6 months from Manage my resume (email sign-in link, no password).