Overcoming a Pastor's Forced Departure

Church boards and church bodies are often vocal when they are unhappy with their pastor. In one large denomination, it was reported that 1,460 ministers were forced to resign in one year—that equates to four per day, 28 per week, and 122 per month. Statistics within The Wesleyan Church are not nearly that dramatic. Because it requires the approval of the district board of administration, the forced departure of a pastor in our denomination is rare. However, the possibility of being voted out by a congregation or being convinced to resign by a marginal vote is real.

If a pastor’s resignation is perceived as forced, it may cause an exodus of the pastor’s most loyal supporters from the congregation. It takes the parting pastor’s energy to hold those people in the church. If the pastor is wounded, he or she may not have the strength to minister effectively to those hurts. To minimize losses, an army of committed Christians must attempt to salvage those who have been hurt. Often, those experiencing the most hurt do not have a long history in the church.

Here are some simple actions that can help to heal people and preserve relationships when a pastor and congregation part under difficult circumstances.

1. Demonstrate Love Toward the Pastor

Pour out your love on the pastor’s spouse and family. They are leaving—and moving too. Children can be sensitive about the perceived rejection of a parent. They know their parent has sacrificed time with them to meet church needs. If the pastor’s kids are teenagers, give extra love and pray earnestly that they will find good friends at their next school. Some pastors’ children end up rejecting God because of how they view their parents’ treatment by the church. Recognize, too, that the spouse’s security has been ripped away. Show love and sincerity to the entire family.

2. Reach Out to Recent Attendees

Take note of those who are new to the fellowship. They will undoubtedly feel the loss most keenly and are the most likely to leave. People’s loyalty is first directed toward the pastor and only later becomes directed to the church. If they believe some people were responsible for the pastor’s departure, they will find it easy to leave, sometimes leaving the church altogether. Do your best to minister to them.

3. Love Those with Whom You Disagree

Love the people whom you perceive to have forced the pastor to resign. God does not negate our responsibility to love one another just because we disagree—even if we see others as enemies. Ask God to give you increased love for them. Act in love rather than react in anger.

4. Become Involved in Church Governance

Encourage participation at the local church conference. Every year, church members gather to elect those who will serve in leadership. Attend the meeting and elect those most representative of the body. This process exists to ensure that church leadership reflects the will of God for the congregation as expressed through the collective decision of the local body. It is also a means of creating change when that is needed.

When a pastor’s resignation is perceived as having been forced, emotions can run high. This is a critical time in the life of any congregation. If you are walking through this difficulty, spend much time in prayer and fasting. Ask God to reveal to you how to show love to the pastor and his family. Pray for those most affected by the change and those whom you believe caused the departure. Often, it is just one family or even one person that stands in the gap. Be that person!

Ronald D. Kelly is General Editor and served for 16 years as a district superintendent in The Wesleyan Church.