Most of CSD's services are a part of their Church Consultation Ministries. Policy Development, Capital Fund Programming and Conflict Mediation/Reconciliation are examples of the consultation services provided. Literature and other resources are also available.

Yet the most frequently requested of CSD's Church Consultation Ministries, and perhaps its largest area of ministry is with Church Staffing. CSD is prepared to walk with your church through every part of the staffing process, from the decision to hire additional staff, through the selection process and then through the New Minister Orientation and Welcome for all new Southern Baptist pastors and ministers in Illinois. We are also here for anyone who is looking to find a ministry position in the Southern Baptist Church. Our recently redesigned Web site makes it even easier to go through the search process.

Part of being a leader is to continue growing, and part of being a successful healthy church is growing leaders. CSD can aid your church with Leadership Development (including online training), providing training seminars and assessments for your deacons, as well as continuing education for the pastor, or through Seminary Extension.

The third and perhaps most important area of ministry for CSD is Pastoral Care. Pastors are people too, and this is exactly why Pastoral Care is a priority. Counseling, referrals and support for wounded ministers is a priority. Support and networking is available for Bivocational Pastors as well. But our Pastoral Care ministry isn't just about care for pastors, but their families as well. There is an active group of Minister's Wives (a part of the Women's Missions and Ministries as well) who meet for retreats and prayer time.

If you have any question for us, or need any further information on any of these ministry areas please do not hesitate to contact Church Staff Development at the addresses below.

Southern Baptist Bivocational Ministers Association

Baptist General Convention of Texas

Louisiana Baptist Convention

Arkansas Baptist State Convention   

Career opportunity   

Minister's Resume Guide

Minister's Guide to the Search Committee Interview

A Step-by-Step Walk Through the Pastor/Staff Search Process                  (pdf version)

Table of Contents page 1-6

Introduction: Before the First Step page 7-10

Step 1: Organizational Process page 11-14

Step 2: Information Gathering Process page 15-19

Step 3: Candidate Selection Process page 20-30

Step 4: Negotiation Process page 31-39

Step 5: Presentation/Recommendation Process page 40-41

Step 6: Welcome and Orientation Process page 42-43

Step 7: Concluding Process page 44-49

Bibliography: Supply list, DOMs, State Reps, Seminaries, etc. page 50-65