Who We Are

What is your process?

Every search utilizes the same basic process. However, the timing and order of steps vary based on the needs of the church. Each search has its peculiarities and we don’t believe that there is a one-size-fits-all solution. We want to work with you in the way that works for you.

Why should my church consider using a search firm to help us fill a position?

Bringing on the right staff member is one of the most important decisions your church will make – and it’s not something you have to navigate alone. Partnering with a search firm brings clarity, structure, and reach to what can often be an overwhelming process.

At Shepherd Staff, we invest time getting to know your church, your culture, and the role you’re trying to fill. As an objective, ministry-minded partner, we help communicate your opportunity in a compelling way that sets it apart and resonates with candidates who align with your mission.

Our team brings national reach, drawing from far more than just a list of résumés. We actively research, recruit, and engage a broad pool of candidates who might never see your listing otherwise. Beyond that, we thoroughly vet every candidate – conducting interviews, checking references, administering assessments, and coordinating background checks. We do the heavy lifting so your team can focus on discernment.

When the stakes are this high, having trusted help makes all the difference. Many churches have told us, “We couldn’t afford not to use a search firm.” We believe you’ll feel the same.

What does your service cost?

Our goal is to make the cost of partnering with us clear, fair, and easy to understand.

At Shepherd Staff, our service fee is based on a mutually agreed-upon percentage of the hired candidate’s first-year salary. Unlike some firms, we don’t calculate our fee based on the entire compensation package, and we don’t surprise clients with hidden charges or uncapped fees. What we agree on upfront is what you can expect—nothing more.

We’ll also help you estimate travel expenses related to the Discovery Visit, which is a vital part of how we get to know your church and your specific needs.

As you budget, keep in mind other common expenses tied to a search—such as candidate travel for interviews or relocation assistance. We’ll walk with you through every step, helping you plan wisely and make the most of your investment.

How long does a search take from start to finish?

Most of our searches take about four to six months from our initial Discovery Visit to the point of hire. The biggest variable is usually the church’s internal timeline—how decisions are made, who’s involved, and how quickly those steps move forward.

The part of the process we control most directly is the front end. In nearly every case, churches begin interviewing qualified candidates within four to six weeks of Discovery. From there, the pace is largely determined by your team’s structure and availability.

We’ll encourage you to keep momentum without rushing discernment. It’s not about hurrying—it’s about stewarding the process well. From day one, we’ll set clear expectations, communicate frequently, and keep you informed every step of the way.

Want to explore what this could look like for your church? Contact us.

What if we have a search committee?

That’s no problem at all – we work seamlessly with search committees. In fact, many churches find that our involvement helps their committee function with greater clarity and focus.

Sometimes committees worry that bringing in a search firm means giving up control. But the opposite is true. Our role isn’t to replace the committee – it’s to support it. We handle the early, time-consuming work of filtering résumés and identifying candidates who truly align with your church’s needs. That allows your committee to focus on the most important parts of the process: prayerfully interviewing, discerning, and making wise recommendations.

While we’re doing the heavy lifting in the early weeks, your committee can continue preparing spiritually and practically for the season ahead. And once strong candidates are ready for interviews, your team will be fully equipped and ready to engage.

What's the difference in working with a search firm and posting our ads on the internet?

Posting your job online is a good starting point – it can help attract candidates who are actively searching and ready to apply. If your goal is to connect with job seekers already scanning church job boards, you may not need much help doing that.

But those are only a small slice of the best possible candidates.

The truth is, most qualified leaders aren’t actively looking. They’re faithfully serving where they are and may only be starting to sense a possible change ahead. They’re not scanning listings—but they’re open to a conversation if it comes in the right way, at the right time, through the right relationship.

That’s where we come in.

At Shepherd Staff, we specialize in finding and engaging high-potential candidates who aren’t submitting résumés en masse. We work with discretion, build trust, and open doors that internet ads simply can’t reach – connecting your church with leaders who would have never known this opportunity existed.

What kinds of assessments do you do?

We regularly work with churches that have a preferred personality or leadership assessment tools like DiSC, StrengthsFinder, or Enneagram and we’re happy to facilitate those as part of the process. Many candidates we engage already have past results on file, and when available, we’ll provide those reports for your review.

Once we’ve had time to understand your church’s history, culture, and leadership dynamics, we can recommend specific assessment tools that align with your goals. Our aim is always to help you gain deeper clarity and confidence as you discern the best fit for your team.

How long have you guys been around?

Shepherd Staff officially launched in 2007, but our roots go back even further. Our President, Greg Allen, has been helping churches make successful hires since 2002. Our founder, Jim Nutt and a few other consultants from the original church staffing firm, began serving churches in this space as early as 2003. Both brought prior experience from the corporate staffing world.

Our team blends deep church ministry experience with professional staffing expertise. Whether from pastoral leadership, nonprofit work, or the business world, each of us is committed to using our background and calling to help churches like yours make wise, lasting hiring decisions.

You can learn more about Our Story on the About Us page.

Do you use an "algorithm" to source candidates?

We’ve heard this claim too and we’ve looked into it thoroughly. Despite what some may suggest, there’s no true “algorithm” in this industry that accurately matches churches with candidates. In reality, what’s often called an algorithm is usually just a manually reviewed checklist of Yes or No answers.

At Shepherd Staff, we trust something far more effective – discernment, relationship, and experience. Our process is rooted in listening carefully, applying ministry-informed insight, and walking closely with both churches and candidates. It’s not automated – it’s shepherded. And that makes all the difference.

We Are Staffing Experts!

Meet Your Shepherd Staff Team

A Little About Us

Most Frequently Asked Questions

What is your process?

Why should my church consider using a search firm to help us fill a position?

What does your service cost?

How long does a search take from start to finish?

What if we have a search committee?

What's the difference in working with a search firm and posting our ads on the internet?

What kinds of assessments do you do?

How long have you guys been around?

Do you use an "algorithm" to source candidates?

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