Calling individuals to fill vacancies or newly created positions is an important process. Hiring the best candidate for a job or ministry position is also of great importance. The work of the Holy Spirit is paramount in the process, however congregations and other hiring agencies have a role as well. The interviewing process is used to gather information on candidates. This document is intended to be a resource document to assist congregations, boards, and hiring agencies in conducting effective interviews.

The "behavior-based" interviewing technique is presented as an effective model. Sample questions are suggested as possible interview questions in 15 categories. Sample questions for calling or hiring a teacher or administrator are included. The sample questions are not meant to be all inclusive. Specific questions on instructional practice, administrative style, etc., are not included in the sample questions. Adapting this style of question to other ministry areas is encouraged.

Behavior-based interviewing is best defined as, "a thorough, planned, systematic way to gather and evaluate information about what candidates have done in the past as a way to show how they would handle future situations."

The key assumption is that interview candidates who have previously demonstrated a particular behavior to address a situation will repeat that behavior in the future when confronted with a similar set of circumstances. The interviewing authority determines which specific behaviors are necessary for success and then seeks out candidates who have shown that they are capable of exhibiting those behaviors.

To utilize behavior-based interviewing successfully, it is necessary to include some form of the following steps:

Because of its apparent capability of predicting position success, behavioral interviewing in its various forms is becoming increasingly popular. Because each teaching or administrative position is unique, it is necessary to determine what specific behaviors are associated with position success. This is an important process that should not be rushed.

1. In what ways have you attempted to make yourself more effective as a Christian teacher?

2. Describe your most important accomplishments. How did you go about reaching your goals?

3. Describe your ideal work or ministry assignment. Tell me about the time you came closest to having this kind of assignment and what you found rewarding about it.

II. Building Body Cohesiveness

1. Describe the steps you take to get a class to work as a cohesive unit. Give me an example of when you did that.

2. How do you help new students who enroll midterm to become an integral part of the classroom?

3. Tell me about a time when you confronted students who were undermining the unity of the entire classroom. How did you bring about reconciliation and healing?

1. Articulate your philosophy on how your classroom functions as an outreach for the church and how you have implemented that philosophy.

2. How have you kept yourself up-to-date on educational principles and practices?

1. Tell me about an important time you created an opportunity out of an obstacle? How did you create that opportunity?

2. When were you successful in selling a concept to people who initially opposed you? How did you convince them?

3. What is your best example of building a class project or program from the ground floor up? Describe the process you went through in developing a clear vision.

1. How do you keep your finger on the pulse and culture of the local community?

2. How have you shifted classroom priorities to be responsive to needs in the local community?

VI. Creating Ownership of Ministry

1. In what ways have you motivated your students to commit themselves to classroom goals?

2. What steps have you taken to ensure that your classroom ministry would flourish in your absence?

3. Describe someone you mentored who is now mentoring others. How did you develop that person and what kind of results is he or she having?

VII. Gift Utilization

1. What process do you use to match students with opportunities unique to them as individuals?

2. How do you cultivate giftedness in your students?

1. To what extent are you the initiator in developing relationships? Tell me about a relationship you built.

2. How do you help students develop positive relationships?

3. What steps do you take to help students and parents feel secure, trusting and open with you?

4. Tell me about a relationship you salvaged after a conflict or falling out with the person.

5. Describe the teacher-student relationship you have attained in your classroom and how it affects classroom discipline.

6. Describe the teacher-parent relationship you have attained and show how it affects classroom discipline.

IX. Flexibility

1. Tell me about a demanding period in your life. How did you manage the multiple demands placed upon you?

2. How do you see that your work gets completed when it is disrupted by emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances?

3. Describe the most recent teaching innovation or perspective that you have adopted.

1. How do you balance the competing demands of ministry and home?

2. In what way is your home life integrated into ministry?

3. Describe the process you use in making major personal decisions?

1. How do you convey a positive Christian witness and yet maintain respect for the un-churched student?

2. Tell me about something you have done to create an outreach-sensitive environment in your classroom?

XII. Resilience

1. What do you do to keep yourself going when the pressure gets thick?

2. Describe your most unproductive period in ministry or on a job. How did you change the situation?

3. Describe a time when your expectations were high but the results were low. How did you react?

1. Describe how you exercise such disciplines as Bible study, prayer, and personal devotion.

2. What examples of demonstrating Christian faith in your personal life could you share with others who struggle with faith issues?

3. Describe how you practice Christian stewardship in your life.

1. How do you nurture faith in your students?

2. How do you help students to integrate their Christian faith into their actions?

3. Describe how you discipled someone on a one-to-one basis.

1. Describe your teaching style.

2. Describe how you communicate with students, parents and staff and the effect it generates.

                        3. What is your best example of building a project, program or group    from the ground floor up? Describe the process you went through in developing and sharing a clear vision.              

                        3. Describe the process you use in making major personal decisions.