Over the past few months I have occasionally shared some reflections on the ministry transition that I am currently going through. One week from today I will begin my new position as the Area Administrator for the Pacific Northwest Association of the Church of God. Yet, for another seven days at least, I remain the pastor of Central Community Church in Hanford, California.
This "in-between" phase is an interesting time. For almost three months since my announced resignation I have been winding down my time in my current congregation and occasionally looking forward to the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Ninety days is not the norm for a pastor to leave. One month is much more common. While the PNA was anxious for me to come as soon as possible, after prayerful consideration I decided that in this particular case a three month transition was not only appropriate but would be in the best interest of the church that I have served for the last four and one-half years. Since we have a healthy relationship there was no need for me to exit quickly, and if anything the extra time would allow me to ensure that there was a greater sense of continuity and preparation for new pastoral leadership.
The greatest danger in a protracted resignation is that the church has a "lame duck" pastor. That is, one who does not have the authority or impetus to lead, or who has lost the conviction and passion to minister in this location.
This has not been my experience. I have had many opportunities in the last few months to do some things that needed to be done, and it has been exciting to see some individuals experience significant spiritual growth during the time. The congregation has openly allowed me to continue pastoring them, and has even sought my advice and counsel in the search process (although in this last regard I have been very careful not to unduly influence the process). We have been able to have some very honest discussions about where the church is at and where it needs to head.
Yes, there have been times of frustration and impatience. At times the prospect of the new position is dangling out in front of me, and I eagerly anticipate getting started. There is also the stress of making preparations to move, including the packing of all my 2000+ books. And, while this time with my congregation has been overall very positive, there have been a few individuals who have had great trouble dealing with all the changes brought about by my resignation and have made life a little more difficult for themselves and others.
One of the questions that other pastors have asked me is: "So, what do you preach for three months once you've announced your resignation?" For the most part, not much different than before. Perhaps I have sensed a little more freedom to speak more frankly on some matters, but basically I have stuck to my preaching plan that I had established for this year. Of course, this coming Sunday (i.e. my final sermon) will be much more specific to my leaving.
Very soon the waiting will be over, and a whole new phase in my life will begin. That will require another post in a few weeks.
2 comments:
Thanks for posting this. I've only done "transition" once in the 8 years I've been a "professional pastor," and it was a rather rough one. This really helps me get a different experience of the whole process... which I know will be valuable to me in the future.
BE blessed!
Steve Nelson
Coral Springs, FL
In the church were I grew up there were two times when a pastor left us. The first was very difficult for our church; he had been there 45 years and it was not pleasant transition--there was a split after his resignation. The second was much easier. Although this second pastor moved from the east to OK with the intention of staying until he retired he ended up only beeing here 8 years...but he had spent his 8 years helping us to recover, rebuild, and be prepared for a future in which our church's identity was not wrapped up in the pastor's identity.
With regard to the postings you have had about "sucess" of churches I also want to comment about success of pastors. The true success of a pastor is not what happens while he/she is at the church, but rather what happens with the church once he/she is no longer there. This was an issue addressed by my current pastor (Marty Grubbs) a couple of months back as he laid out some local restructuring or our ministry team; he (and the church agrees) doesn't want any ministry area of the church to become dependent on one person only to fall apart once that person leaves.
Based on my readings of your postings, I am sure that we will also see the wonderful success that you have helped lead your recently departed church into. Blessings in your new ministry!
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