FIRST, EXAMINE YOUR HEART. PROVERBS 4:23 SAYS, “KEEP YOUR HEART WITH utmost care, for out of it flow the issues of life.”
Take time to consider your decision in prayer, with wisdom, patience, and in consultation with your district leaders, as we are here to help you.
ONCE YOU HAVE MADE YOUR DECISION, CONTACT YOUR DISTRICT OFFICE/REGIONAL DIRECTOR TO INFORM THEM OF YOUR DECISION TO CONCLUDE YOUR MINISTRY
After hearing from you, the district is ready to come to your church to meet with you and begin the pastoral replacement process.
After speaking with your district leadership, communicate your decision about entering into your ministry agreement with the board and leadership.
Graciously share your intentions with your board, thanking them for the opportunity to serve, and then follow up in writing confirming the agreed-upon end date. This will allow the employment record to reflect that the ministry agreement was concluded, not that you resigned. If and when you publicly conclude your ministry appointment within the church body, do so with grace and a positive spirit.
THE DEPARTMENTAL CONCLUSION DATE SHOULD NOT BE LONGER THAN 4 TO 6 WEEKS AFTER YOUR RESIGNATION BECOMES PUBLIC.
Only stay longer if the regional director approves. A longer stay could cause difficulties for you and your church.
THE PASTORAL REPLACEMENT PROCESS AND TRANSITION WILL THEN BECOME THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DISTRICT.
The district may request your input, but the church leadership and the district will provide direction on the process.
BE POSITIVE WITH THE CHURCH DURING THIS CRITICAL TIME FOR YOU AND THE CHURCH.
Emphasize the positive experiences you had during your ministry term, not any potential areas of tension. Be careful not to provoke dissension or even appear to cause disruption.
AS A PASTOR, HELP PREPARE THE CHURCH FOR YOUR DEPARTURE.
Make sure all relevant unfinished business is completed. It’s very helpful to put together a binder for the incoming pastor with information that includes policies, the job description, the daily schedule, and routine instructions. As a general rule, leave your office before your farewell. Also, have your financial details taken care of with the church treasurer before you leave.
PREACH TO HELP THE CONGREGATION IN ITS FUTURE.
By continuing to be positive and grateful, you will help the congregation in its liberation. Therefore, be instructive by preparing them in biblical principles for your departure. This will prepare the congregation for the next chapter of its history. You are a servant of God; trust Him, preach the Word, and avoid any personal problems.
TAKE THE HIGH ROAD.
Whenever a pastor ends his ministry, it’s possible that some people will say hurtful things or raise questions about your reasons for resigning. Again, be careful to guard your heart, avoid expressing negative information, or reacting to their questions.
Say as little as possible and continue to reinforce the fact that you ended your ministry in accordance with the church council, to follow God’s will for your life, and that you have only good motives in mind.
WHEN YOU LEAVE A CHURCH, MAKE YOUR FAREWELL A CELEBRATION.
Let the first and foremost principle be: “what is best for the Church,” as determined by the Church Council and district leaders.
Graciously release ties with the church for a period of time to allow the church to find and bond with its new pastor. Disengage from the church even if you have friends in the body. Inform them of the necessary distance, both spatially and temporally.
Be careful not to involve yourself in congregational affairs, whether by phone, email, or other forms of communication. Remember that you are no longer the pastor. Protect your reputation. Allow and trust the district to protect you and the church. This will prevent you from violating the Minister’s Code of Ethics, which is a punishable offense under Policy 10 of the PAOC Constitution.
Any church visits will be at the discretion and invitation of the new pastor. This can become a challenge if you continue to live in the community and your family wishes to attend. Children are generally not a problem, but you and your spouse should respect this recommendation. Do everything possible to honor/affirm the new leadership coming into the church, and in doing so, the new pastor can be your protection in case there are people who take your cause positively or negatively.
