Goal: To get a sense of their conversion story (testimony) and current spiritual growth in their relationship with the Lord. Objectively, we ask about spiritual disciplines and specific questions about frequency and consistency. Subjectively, we listen for maturity, depth, and breadth. Be watchful for varied language — certain "tribes" of Christians can use different words to describe similar things.

IDEAL

• Christian greater than 2 years
• Spends consistent time in private and public prayer and the Word at least 3-5 times per week
• Strongly engaged in worship and sacrament with a Christian community
• Able to communicate about their spiritual growth and/or describe their relationship with the Lord
• Regularly participates in a relationship/group for intentional spiritual mentorship, discipleship, and/or accountability
• Has experience in extended spiritual disciplines, e.g. confession of sin, fasting, silence, exercise of spiritual gifts, study, celebration, hospitality, submission, etc.
• Understands and can apply their spiritual giftings for ministry

AREA OF CONCERN

• A Christian less than 2 years
• Does not appear to regularly engage in a core Christian discipline, e.g. prayer, worship, Word, or sacrament
  
  • Public prayer
  • Public hearing of scripture
  • Private prayer
  • Private reading, memorization, or study of the Scripture
  • Communion or Eucharist with fellow believers
• Does not have a close spiritual mentor or friend who can report knowing them very well (absence of personal accountability and/or intimacy)
   

SIGNIFICANT CONCERN

• Has been a Christian less than 1 year.
  • This is a concern because they haven't been "tested." Recommended deferral for 1 year.
• Does not engage in regular worship and fellowship with Christians/church

AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION

• Self-report not being a Christian or loss of faith
• After strong effort, cannot confirm that the person is a born-again Christian from testimony, fruit, and/or references. Be very, very sure with the church concurring.
  • Share the gospel with them!

Comments

This is a subjective area and also not one that is typically deferred because most atheists aren't applying in the first place! The most common exception would be in length of time as a Christian believer. We would also want to share with the hiring church/ministry our impression of their walk to make sure it matches up with what they believe to be true.