How to Avoid Getting Sideways in Pastoral Transition

When even best intentions can’t keep you out of trouble

bewilderedClassic Yogi Berra wisdom, “If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up some place else.”

Solomon put it this way, “Ponder the path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure.” (Prov.4:26)

How many church leaders, when trying to help the body of believers they serve navigate pastoral transition, suddenly find things have gone sideways? It’s not going as planned, and the potential outcome appears to be getting worse.

After the initial quiet and sober reaction to the blunt news that the senior pastor has, or is, leaving -now tempers are flaring…accusations are being hurled right and left…trust in the leadership team has evaporated…key volunteers quietly mention they are thinking of taking a break…key families haven’t been seen in worship for weeks. The mood around the church feels tense! (more…)

Pastoral transition is not a problem to solve, but a season to shepherd.  -Rick Foster