We’ve all been there – the moment we realize we’ve made a wrong hire. I was there when my new tech director spent his first 90 days setting up his IKEA furniture and a fish tank while doing almost zero work. I’ve been there when we had a huge event and the new director took all of the credit while not acknowledging his team that did 99% of the work. I’ve even been there when I had a staff person make a horrible moral decision. It is probably the most difficult problem to swallow because you know that you are the person that made the decision to bring this person on board and there is a huge cost to a search.
If you ask most leaders what makes a great hire, you’ll hear words like talent, experience, gifting, or leadership capacity. But after years of watching hires succeed — and fail — across churches and organizations, one issue rises above the rest: It is Essential that Godly Leaders recognize and realize the #1 hiring mistake they can make:
The biggest hiring mistake is choosing talent and urgency over character, Godliness, culture and alignment.
In other words, churches and organizations ask: “Can this person do the job?” when they should first be asking: “Who is this person becoming — and will they thrive in our culture long-term?” This mistake is especially common in churches and mission-driven organizations, where the pressure to fill roles quickly is intense and the work feels deeply important.
IRL – in real life – this looks like:
- Assuming spiritual maturity because someone interviews well.
- Hiring a gifted communicator who quietly damages team trust.
- Bringing in a high-capacity leader who doesn’t align with the church’s theology or culture.
- Filling a role quickly because “we just need help”.
At first, things feel exciting. Momentum builds. The team breathes a sigh of relief.
Then friction begins. Misalignment surfaces. Trust erodes. Staff energy drains. Eventually, a painful transition becomes unavoidable. Again, we’ve all been there – I’ve been there. It really stinks. Short-term relief turns into long-term cost.
On the one hand it’s inevitable that some hires will not be great due to pure numbers, but on the other hand, there are lessons to be learned to do everything we can to avoid hiring mistakes.
Part of learning the lesson is seeking God for wisdom. Hiring takes a ton of wisdom to learn from mistakes and to avoid mistakes. Godly Leaders know that it is Essential to look to God’s Word and God Himself, for wisdom. James 1:5 has a great guide to us for hiring. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
There are 4 reasons leaders fall into the #1 trap:
- #1 – Urgency Overrides Discernment
A vacant role feels like an emergency — especially in ministry settings where people are depending on you.
- #2 – Skills Are Easier to Measure Than Character
Resumes, portfolios, and references give tangible proof of ability. Character takes time to observe.
- #3 – Chemistry Gets Confused With Calling
Leaders think, “I really like this person,” and interpret that as confirmation they’re the right hire.
- #4 – Passion for the Mission Masks Misalignment
Someone can deeply love your mission yet struggle within your specific culture, pace, or leadership style.
Here are 5 ways to fix this #1 common trap:
The solution is not complicated — but it requires discipline.
- #1 – Reverse the Evaluation Order
Most organizations hire in this order:
Competency → Chemistry → Character
Healthy organizations flip it:
Character → Chemistry → Competency
Before asking what a candidate can accomplish, ask:
- How do they handle conflict?
- How do they respond to authority and feedback?
- What happens when they fail?
- How do former teammates describe them under pressure?
Skills build performance. Character sustains trust.
- #2 – Hire for Values, Train for Skills
You can teach systems, tools, and strategies.
You cannot easily teach:
- Humility
- Emotional maturity
- Self-awareness
- Integrity
- Spiritual depth
Organizations that hire for values build teams that last.
- #3 – Ask Pressure Questions in Interviews
Move beyond strengths and accomplishments.
Ask questions that reveal formation:
- Tell me about a season you disappointed a leader.
- What feedback have you resisted in the past?
- When have you been publicly wrong?
- Describe a conflict you handled poorly.
Pay attention to posture, not polish.
Do they deflect? Blame others? Or demonstrate ownership and growth?
- #4. Slow Down — Especially When You’re Excited
Charisma speeds up hiring decisions. Discernment requires time. Godly Leaders have learned this Essential truth over time.
A helpful rule:
The more excited you are about a candidate, the slower you go.
Add in:
- Multiple interviewers (Proverbs 15:22)
- Informal conversations
- Time between interviews
- Real-world interactions with the team
Great hires withstand scrutiny. Risky hires depend on momentum.
- #5 – Define the Win Before You Hire
Many hiring failures begin before the interview process even starts.
Leaders haven’t clearly defined:
- What success looks like
- How decisions are made
- Cultural expectations
- Non-negotiable values
Clarity protects both the organization and the candidate.
A Final Thought
Churches and organizations don’t just hire employees. They invite people into a culture, a calling, and a shared set of convictions. When you hire primarily for talent, you may gain ability but lose unity. When you hire for character and alignment, you build something that lasts.
The best hires aren’t just capable — they are trustworthy, aligned, and formed.
Of course, everything above is built on the foundation of faith and prayer – that is the first and most formative Essential for Godly Leaders.
We could talk a lot more on this topic, but we’ll leave it there for now. What are your thoughts or questions? Leave them in the comments.
If you found this blog helpful or thought-provoking, please SUBSCRIBE below to receive a new blog in your email the first Tuesday morning of every month. Also, if you think this blog would benefit others, please share it on social media or tell a few friends about it!
Love being on this Essential Godly Leadership journey with you!
Essential Godly Leadership: “Leading your life, your family, your work, your relationships, and your world in a way that is seeking wisdom from, and pleasing to, the Lord Jesus.”