A character reference letter holds more weightage when it comes from the higher authority and respectable person. A Character Reference Letter from Pastor is more valuable and this reference is taken seriously by most authorities and organization. A well written reference letter coming from higher authority may influence the decision in an applicant’s favour. That’s why, individuals are interested to get a character reference letter from pastor for various purposes such as job applications, legal matters, or volunteer positions, etc.
Please note you won’t get a reference from pastor very easily unless he knows you personally well enough or you approach him correctly. At the end of this post, we have discussed some points on how you can approach a pastor to successfully get his reference even if he does not know you at all.
What is a Pastor Character Reference Letter and Why it’s Required?
Before jumping to the sample letter and template, it’s important to understand what is a pastor character reference letter and for what positions you may need it. Skip this section and proceed to the next one if you are here only for the editable sample letter template.
A pastor character reference letter is a written statement that vouches for an applicant’s outstanding character, good moral standing, and commitment to Christian principles. An applicant may require character reference from pastor in the following situations:
Job Application: You may require a reference from pastor for job positions specially those where strong moral or ethical standards are required.
Legal Proceedings: A reference from pastor holds value specially in matter where an individual’s character may be consideration such as court battles or sentence hearing.
Admission: A letter from pastor is valuable when applying for admissions specially in religious schools or universities.
Volunteer positions: Consider getting a reference from pastor if you are applying for volunteer positions within the church where good moral and commitment to Christian principles are essential.
Sample Character Reference Letter from Pastor in .Doc (Word)
To whom it may concern,
I am writing this letter to provide character reference for {Name}, a devoted member of our congregation here at {Church Name}. I have known {Name} for {length of time} and during this time, I have witnessed his/her character, integrity, and commitment towards Christian principles.
{Name} has been a devoted member of our church. Being a pastor of {Church Name}, I have seen him/her participating in {volunteer programs, etc} and attending weekly services. He/She is actively involved in Church’s activities and ready to volunteer whenever required.
I have witnesses {Name} spiritual growth over a period of time, and he/she has a deep faith in God and Christian principles. As their pastor, I respect {Name} as a person of good moral character, believer in God, and a kind hearted person who is eager to land a helping hand whenever required.
Sincerely,
{Sender}
Link >>>>> Editable Character Reference from Pastor
Printable Pastor Character Reference Letter Template
Looking for another editable template, no worries, we got you covered. Check out this well written piece of character reference letter and download it in editable format to customize this letter with specific details relevant to the applicant.
Link >>>>> Download Character Reference from Pastor in Editable Format
How Should I Approach My Pastor to Write Character Reference Letter?
Getting a reference letter from a pastor is not easy specially when he does not know you at all. To get a reference letter, you need to approach pastor personally and ask him for a reference personally. Here is how you could go about it:
- The best you can do is politely schedule a meeting with your pastor.
- If a pastor does not know you at all, make sure to introduce yourself.
- First explain that you have a very important opportunity that requires a character reference.
- Offer to provide more details about an opportunity so that Pastor get to know more about it.
- You can very politely ask that you are hoping to get a reference letter from him.’
- If you think one meeting is not enough and you won’t get a letter then suggest meeting a pastor few more so that he can get to know better.
- Make sure to be respectful all time, respect their time, provide relevant details about yourself and an opportunity.
- If you are able to build a good rapport with pastor then you may get a character reference letter.
