When Your Church Loses Its Pastor

SharperIron

Republished with permission from Voice magazine, July/August 2012.

After the initial shock of hearing the words, “and my resignation is effective…” confusion is bound to reign for a while. What do we do after our pastor resigns? Generally, a pastoral search committee is formed to go about the task of finding another shepherd for the flock. But the congregation needs to do more than just seek another pastor. While it’s not as easy as A B C, the information that follows will help address other needs of the congregation.

A—ASSESSMENT

Assessment comes in the form of asking questions, even the hard ones. Where are we as a congregation? Did the pastor leave under difficult circumstances? Were there moral, ethical or other problems that damaged testimonies? Is the congregation and/or board divided? What are the vital signs of the fellowship? What are the strengths and weaknesses? Does the church need outside help to be objective and put things back into perspective? Are there problems within the congregation that need to be handled? What will be the process? Are there relationships to be reconciled outside the church?

Discussion

Does your church ever use "non-live" musical accompaniment for congregational singing?

Ed Vasicek

Poll Results

Does your church ever use “non-live” musical accompaniment for congregational singing?

Yes, regularly, and we prefer it. Votes: 0
Yes, regularly, but we would prefer live music. Votes: 1
Yes, on occasion or rarely, but not typically Votes: 3
No, but we are open to the idea if the need arises Votes: 4
No, we would sing a capella before we would use digital or recorded music Votes: 8
Other Votes: 0

Discussion

Does your church financially support a Christian camp?

Ed Vasicek

Poll Results

Does your church financially support a Christian camp?

Yes, our church has its own camp just for us! Votes: 2
Yes, we contribute toward a camp that involves other churches. Votes: 5
Yes, indirectly; some denominational/fellowship support contributes to a camp or camps Votes: 0
Sort of; we encourage our people to patronize a certain camp Votes: 2
No, but we suggest camps Votes: 3
No Votes: 5
Other Votes: 0

Discussion