This article reflects on seven phases of the firing of a pastor. I have worked with countless pastors who shared their stories with me. These phases are common in many of them. Also, I will use a recent conversation to provide a real narrative of a real pastor in a real church. I made some slight adjustments to protect the identities of the pastor and the church.
Adobe Stock Photo. Do not publish.
In my second pastorate, I stayed at the church for just over eleven years. At the time, more than a decade at one church was almost unheard of. I’ve paid attention since then to pastors who stay at their church for at least ten years, and here are some traits I’ve seen in these pastors.
Adobe Stock Photo. Do not publish.
There are hundreds of thousands of orphans in the United States alone and millions around the world. A distinctive feature of Christianity has been caring for these orphans (Ja. 1:27), but this was always expected of God’s people (Isa. 1:17). In the Old Testament, the ethical imperative to care for orphans was grounded in God’s character. He is a Father to the fatherless (Ps. 68:5).
Adobe Stock Photo. Do not publish.
What if your church’s most pressing need isn’t another program but a team of deacons who embody servant leadership? What if deacons could significantly impact lives and support your pastoral vision?
According to a recent Lifeway Research study, 27% of churchgoers say they don’t know anyone to invite to church. Is that true of your congregants?
It’s difficult to hear that your lead pastor is leaving—for any reason.
