Do legitimate reasons exist to step down from ministry or leave a church? Read on for one youth leader’s perspective about walking away.
Like many people, I was totally surprised when Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013. To step down from ministry leadership at any level takes lots of courage. But it’s especially rare to see such a powerful leader choose to leave.
Many times, leaders step down from ministry when they lose an election or their term ends. Maybe a scandal is unfolding or revealed. All ministry leaders have much to learn from Pope Benedict XVI’s actions.
You won’t be the leader of your ministry forever. One day, you’ll have to step down because of some kind of life change. It’s important to recognize this transition ahead of time. Then you can take the necessary steps to transfer power.
How do you know when you need to step down? Consider these four key factors.
4 Reasons To Step Down From Ministry
1. When resentment builds up.
Your calling will have its rough moments. But it should be overall fulfilling and rewarding. When you start resenting the people you lead and work with, it’s a sign you might need to step down from ministry.
The best way to figure this out? Take a break! Clear your mind and your heart. If you resent the idea of going back, think about stepping down.
2. When labor outweighs the fruit.
Sometimes the work becomes too much. You might enjoy what you’re doing, but the physical and financial toll are too much. Maybe you can alleviate the work by seeking help. But in the end, you need to be able to handle the work.
3. When the vision becomes blurred.
It’s easy to get sidetracked from your vision. As ministry responsibilities increase, so do distractions. A leader must stay focused on the vision. Otherwise you might end up on a tangent that leads you down a path of destruction.
