--- title: The Lie of the Calling Card Resume description: Discover the truth behind flashy resumes from big-name churches and learn essential strategies for hiring a healthy church staff culture in this eye-opening blog post. image: https://blog.chemistrystaffing.com/hubfs/The%20Lie%20of%20the%20Calling%20Card%20Resume.png --- [Skip to content](https://blog.chemistrystaffing.com/healthy-church-staff-resumes-evaluation-413#main-content) [![cropped-chemistry_logo_homepage-342x95](https://blog.chemistrystaffing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cropped-chemistry_logo_homepage-342x95.webp?width=342&height=95&name=cropped-chemistry_logo_homepage-342x95.webp "cropped-chemistry_logo_homepage-342x95")](https://blog.chemistrystaffing.com/) - [How We Help](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/what-we-do/) - [How We Help Candidates](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/candidate/) - [How We Help Churches](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/church/) - [Our Team](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/team/) - [Our Mission & Strategy](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/what-we-do/) - [Churches](https://chemistrystaffing.com/church) - [Hire New Staff](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/2021-churches-new-staff-hiring/) - [Free 30-Minute Church Consult](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/lets-talk/) - [Chemistry Solutions – You Don’t Have to Do Ministry Alone](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/solutions/) - [Final Fit Assessment](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/final-fit-assessment/) - [Senior Pastor Succession](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/succession/) - [Job Seekers](https://chemistrystaffing.com/candidate) - [Add My Resume / Profile](https://chemistry.fyi/kwq) - [Current Openings](https://chemistrystaffing.com/jobs) - [Free Resume Assessment](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/free-resume-self-assessment/) - [Step-by-Step Job Search](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/cjb) - [How Chemistry Can Help](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/candidate/) - [Resources](http://www.chemistrystaffing.com/candidate/) - [Free Playbooks & Downloads](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/resources/) - [Chemistry Blog](https://blog.chemistrystaffing.com/) - [2024 Youth Pastor Compensation Survey](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/resources/2024-yp-compensation-survey/) - [Contact Us](http://www.chemistrystaffing.com/lets-talk/) - [Candidates](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/candidate-contact-page/) - [Churches](http://www.chemistrystaffing.com/lets-talk/) - [Find a Job](https://chemistrystaffing.com/jobs) - [My Church is Hiring](https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/lets-talk/) [Staff Search](https://blog.chemistrystaffing.com/tag/staff-search) # The Lie of the Calling Card Resume Discover the truth behind flashy resumes from big-name churches and learn essential strategies for hiring a healthy church staff culture in this eye-opening blog post. ![The Lie of the Calling Card Resume](https://blog.chemistrystaffing.com/hubfs/The%20Lie%20of%20the%20Calling%20Card%20Resume.png) # Flashy Resumes: Digging Deeper for a Healthy Church Staff When hiring for your church staff, you might encounter some resumes with big names - former staff members from prominent churches like Saddleback, Elevation Church, or North Point. It's easy to get drawn in by these impressive resumes, but it's crucial to remember that **big-name churches on resumes do not always equate to a healthy church staff culture**. ## The Myth of "The Calling Card Resume” The presence of prestigious church names on a candidate's resume can give an illusion of guaranteed competence and success. But remember — **proximity to greatness does not automatically indicate personal effectiveness or health**. For instance, the individual may have been part of a huge team at a mega-church, operating in a narrow, specialized field instead of broader core ministry roles. They might excel in such an environment but may struggle in a smaller church with fewer resources and different expectations. ## The Hidden Realities Behind Flashy Resumes It's essential to recognize that flashy resumes can sometimes gloss over red flags. Unhealthy patterns might have been concealed within the massive team structures of larger churches. In some instances, seemingly impressive church staff roles might have been peripheral or even volunteer positions. ## Looking Beyond the Flash & Flare Hiring decisions should be based on comprehensive assessments of a potential hire's adaptability, character, and emotional intelligence. When reviewing applications, be sure to: - **Understand their past role's specifics**: What did they actually build and do in their last role? - **Assess their adaptability**: Can they thrive in your church's context without the same resources and recognition? - **Investigate their response to challenges**: How do they cope with failure or transition? Instead of getting star-struck by a dazzling resume, make thoughtful inquiries to assess the applicant's real value to your church staff. ## Bottom Line A big-name church on a resume might be an excellent conversation starter, but it should not blind you to uncover what truly matters for the health of your church staff. Always dig deeper, ask tough questions, and focus on discerning character fit over the glare of impressive job titles. For more insights into this topic, tune in to today's [Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2210840/episodes/17552897). I delve further into the topic of flashy resumes and share thought-provoking insights on building a healthy church staff. ### [![Todd Rhoades](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/883a0d42581424e9bbe7c77dccfeed6b) Todd Rhoades](https://blog.chemistrystaffing.com/author/todd-rhoades) Todd has invested over 30 years in serving churches, having served as a worship pastor for over 15 years, a church elder for more than a decade, and in various ministry leadership roles in both the business and non-profit sectors. As the original founder and developer of ChurchStaffing.com, Todd fundamentally changed the way thousands of churches search for pastors and staff on the internet. Todd is a graduate of Cedarville University, and lives in Bryan, OH with his wife, Dawn. [![Facebook Author](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/8768169/Elements/Theme/icons/social/facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/toddrhoades3) [![Twitter Author](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/8768169/Elements/Theme/icons/social/twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/toddrhoades) [![Linkedin Author](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/8768169/Elements/Theme/icons/social/linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddrhoades/) [![Website Author](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/8768169/Elements/Theme/icons/social/web.svg)](http://chemistrystaffing.com/todd-rhoades) ## Latest Resources Browse Articles ![What's Actually Killing Your Church? The Surprising 250-Year Diagnosis](https://blog.chemistrystaffing.com/hubfs/blog-images/featured/featured_158.png) #### What's Actually Killing Your Church? The Surprising 250-Year Diagnosis Church decline isn't what you think. Discover what's really threatening the church today vs. 1776 and the 1900s—and why low numbers aren't ... ![What's Actually Killing Your Church? The Surprising 250-Year Diagnosis](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/883a0d42581424e9bbe7c77dccfeed6b) ###### Todd Rhoades July 07, 2026 ![Stop Apologizing for Small Groups: Why Your ](https://blog.chemistrystaffing.com/hubfs/blog-images/featured/featured_126.png) #### Stop Apologizing for Small Groups: Why Your "Failed" Bible Study is Actually a Discipleship Goldmine When attendance drops in your small group discipleship ministry, don't panic. 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Learn why competency should trump credentials in your ministry staff se... ![Stop Screening Out Your Best Candidates: Why Competency Matters More Than Seminary Degrees](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/883a0d42581424e9bbe7c77dccfeed6b) ###### Todd Rhoades July 06, 2026 [![Elements Logo](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/8768169/Elements/Theme/logos/logo.svg "Elements Logo")](http://chemistrystaffing.com) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consecteturor adipiscing elit. Tincidunt donec vulputate ipsum erat urna auctor. 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