Recently several people have asked questions related to the doctrine of salvation. Several years on our website I posted an article by a close friend, C. Gordon Olsen’s (who is now with the Lord). Unfortunately, his books are often hard to find. So, we are re-posting this article.

After many years as a pastor and leading BBM, the Lord led me into chaplaincy ministries. In addition to my ministry with BBM I currently serve with Marketplace Chaplains and in a hospice ministry. Both ministries emphasize a ministry of presence. Simply put, the chaplain is a person who is there when you need him or simply want someone to be there.

Pastoral searches at one time were more clear than they are today. When I began in ministry decades ago the pastoral search process was more simple. Churches would look at the educational and experience of a candidate and would have a good idea of the pastors fit. Pastors would look at the church doctrinal statement and attend a service and have a good idea if he would be interested. The church would look at a pastor’s background and hear him preach then present the candidate the church.

The search for a pastor has become increasingly more difficult. Churches seeking pastors are finding even denominations and associations struggle finding candidates to offer churches.