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Counter-cultural recommendation for pastors learned from @MarkDever: when you're thinking about leaving your church for another opportunity (pastorate; overseas; etc), consider telling your church BEFORE you make the decision, not AFTER. Invite them to pray with you about it.
A pastor friend recently did this. Asked the church to pray with him about moving overseas for a missionary opportunity. His church, though sad, felt blessed and loved to be involved in the process of praying and decision-making.
I also know brothers have done this when thinking about leaving one church for another. Had both churches praying about the possible transfer.
Why might you do this?
Why might you do this?
1) It models for the church what it means to be committed to a church: we don't come and go lightly, but love the body and want them to be a part of discerning God's calling in our life.
2) It presents a de-professionalized view of the pastorate. The pastor is not a free-agent or professional looking to move upward. You're a family member among other family members; a part of the body among other parts; a shepherd among sheep. It's only natural to involve them.
3) It shows the body that you love and cherishe them. Instead of showing up one Sunday and announcing a departure, it says, "I cherish you, and only want to leave if God is calling me elsewhere. But this opportunity has come up. Can you help me discern that?"
4) It gives the church an opportunity to prepare themselves relationally and communicates the message that a church is built on relationships of friendship and love, not transactions of convenience.
5) It works against turfiness, teaching everyone that "our church" and "their church" are playing for the same team. None of us should be building our kingdoms but Christ's kingdom. If it's better for Christ's kingdom that you leave, all should be excited, even if sad.
As I understand it, this practice of churches praying together about pastoral transfers used to be more common. I'm not saying it's the right course of action for every situation, especially contentious ones. But it is a practice our churches should recover.
