6. Burnout.
Whether you have reached that point or not, take time to retreat and renew.
7. An exploratory call.
We all like to be liked. But just because a church is calling doesn’t mean God is.
8. You’re out of sermons.
If that’s your reason for moving, I suggest you shouldn’t be in the ministry.
9. Too much pressure.
So your next church will be without pressure? If your motivation to move is to avoid pressure, see the response above.
If you are a lay church leader, the next time you look for a new pastor, make intended longevity a criteria. If you are a denominational leader, encourage pastors to remain faithful rather than abandon their church in difficult times.
I believe there is a relationship between the three following statistics:
1. A pastor’s most productive time usually begins in years five, six and seven.
2. The average pastoral tenure in Protestant churches is less than four years.
3. Nearly 85 percent of today’s churches are not growing.
It’s sad that the vast majority of pastors miss potentially their most fruitful—and enjoyable—years of ministry.
Remember the Apostle Paul’s wise counsel: ”So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time, we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up or quit Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith” (Gal. 6:9-10 The Message).
