Tap the entire market . Hiring only church members may leave you with little room to maneuver if no church member fits the needs of the position. So advertise the opening inside and outside the church, then consider all interested applicants. When you advertise, make it clear that the position is open to all qualified applicants. Some members might believe that they should be the only ones considered, so nip that conflict in the bud by clearly announcing your intentions up front.
Nobody likes surprises.
That's something Bill Wormsley, who retired after serving 25 years as pastor of Christ Community Church in Tucson, Arizona, practiced for years. At times, we mounted a national search. If we then chose to hire a member of the congregation, we knew he or she was the best qualified. In addition, Christ Community would not hire a member who could not be fired, if necessary. If the person was too entrenched, we wouldn't hire him.