One thing that is predictable about pastor search committees is that they all want something similar: a great preacher, an amazing administrator who loves visiting, someone who is effective with young families and senior adults, a 38 year old with 25 years experience -- you get the picture. Mere mortals need not apply.

An interesting pattern is emerging in the ranks of Baptist churches I am familiar with that bears watching. Admittedly, this is not a scientific study, but primarily anecdotal. However, there seems to be something to this fact: many of the pastors called to larger pulpits over the last 18 months are in their 50s and even 60s. Could it be that the old adage “better be where you want to be by 50” no longer applies?