The Interview Process

Interviewing is a basic skill that every researcher needs. Interviewing is an effective approach for gathering information needed to write case studies stories, discover the facts and factors about church multiplication and evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts. Here are general guidelines for conducting an interview. A sample interview form for a church planter/pastor is attached at the end of this article.

Prepare for the Interview

• Research the subject you want to interview people about.
• Generate a list of people to interview.
• Be prepared to state the purpose of the interview and answer other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to your work, such as: Who do you represent? What do you want? Who do you work with? How will this information be used? How long will the interview take?
• Set appointments.
• Prepare interview questions in advance. See the example at the end of this article for an example
• Have equipment you need: a tape recorder, blank cassettes, pen, paper, questionnaires, PR gift, business cards, camera, etc..

Remember: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance

Setting up the Interview

• State the purpose of the interview.
• Establish ground rules for the interview and how information from the interview may be used.

1. Can the interview be used in an article?
2. Is the interview off the record?
3. Does the person want to see the prepublication text if quoted?

• Ask permission to use a tape recorder.
• Keep to the time agreed to for the interview unless the person interviewed desires to extend the time.

The Interview

• Record the interview.
• Take notes as you listen. It helps you note the main points and shows interest. Since the interview is recorded, you can go refer to the tape for details.
• Start with easily answered opening questions. Don't ask leading questions.

1. Ask questions to gather information about:
2. Background facts and relevant personal history
3. Organizational facts
4. Objective facts: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
5. Subjective factors: beliefs and attitudes
6. Future directions

• Ask for explanations if you don't understand something.

Concluding the Interview

• Stop on time.
• Get answers you need.
• Allow time for the interview to come to closure.