Ten Commandments for Pastors Leaving a Congregation

Book excerpt: Pastoral transitions can be fraught with pitfalls, yet there "is" advice that can help ministers and congregations avoid those dangers. Lawrence Farris, a pastor who himself has left three churches, here gives ten wise, thoughtful commandments for shepherds leaving their flock. Far from heavy-handed dictums, these "commandments" are more gospel than law, laying out helpful strategies in such areas as recognizing when to depart, patching broken relationships, and enabling the next pastor to make a clean start. While many may dream of a comfortable, long-term pastorate, today's transient congregational realities make the wisdom in this book relevant for pastors in churches big and small, liberal, moderate, and conservative. Perfect for pastors soon to depart and for those happy to stay put for now, "Ten Commandments for Pastors Leaving a Congregation" provides welcome guidance to both pastors and parishioners facing this hopeful and challenging transition.