On preaching and ministry, volume 2, number 3

On Preaching and Ministry presented by The Jenkins Institute

Ministers and Moving. Those terms go together like Christians and Casseroles, Fellowship and Fried Chicken, Fred and Ginger, and Ministers & Mocha (thought I’d slide that shameless promo in).

According to our research the average tenure of a preacher in our brotherhood is right around 32 months, youth ministers typically are right around 20 months. So, if we minister for 40 years we will move 13-30 times.

One of the beauties of God’s Word and world is revealed in Lamentations 3, how His mercies “are new every morning.” Paul personalizes this in 2 Corinthians, “Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day” (4:16). And one of the beauties of serving God is that feeling that the future will be better. We love the quote we first heard from dad: “The future is as bright as the promises of God.” So the moving van pulls up, a group of folks show up with dollies, pizza and maybe even a “pounding” to welcome the new minister. It doesn't matter if it is our first work or our 21st we experience the excitement of believing this will be the best!

And all of us have experienced either directly or vicariously the crushing feeling of “having” to move as a minister when what started good ended poorly.

In this month’s edition of ON: Preaching and Ministry we’ll look at Coming and Going.

Some of our finest have written this month. We hope you will be blessed and that this might serve as somewhat of a “ready reference” in your life. Thanks, and we wish you great preaching!

If this is your first encounter with TJI or ON and you’d like a free subscription send your email address to TJI@TheJenkinsInstitute.com

- from The Editors, Jeff and Dale TheJenkinsInstitute@gmail.com

Inside How to Know When to Go

Jerrie Barber p 4-8

Is It Selfish to Talk about Money?

Aubrey Johnson p 9-10

How To Start Well

Brian Jarrett p 13-15

Talking to Others About Knowing When to Leave Leaving Gracefully

Jeff A. Jenkins p 16-18 Stan Butt, Jr p 19-21

Transition Adjustment In Ministry

Lonnie Jones p 22-24

Questions I Need to Ask

Jason Moon p 25-28

What Do I Preach When I Leave?

Kyle Rye p 29-31

What do I Peach When I First get There?

Dale Jenkins p 32-33

Developing a Plan for Leaving or Retiring

John W. Dale 34-36

Ideas on Getting to Know People

David Baker p 37-40

Leave it Better than You Found It

Craig Evans p 41-44

Mistakes in Arriving TJI Interviews

Joe Wells p 45-47 A discussion on being “fired” p 49-58

How to Know When to Go

by Jerrie Barber, jerrie@barberclippings.com

When I received this topic, I thought about doing research asking reasons why preachers leave. I decided to re-hearse rather than re-search. Here are stories of some reasons I decided to go to another church during my ministry.

In my ministry, I decided to go…

1. When living conditions weren’t adequate for my family. When you’re counting every penny, and there’s no money in your budget for groceries for a new baby, insurance, clothes, or furniture, it’s time to go. They said they were thinking about a raise. But thinking doesn’t pay bills. When you’re living in a house where you can’t heat and eat at the same time without blowing a fuse in a 60-amp fuse box, it’s time to go.

2. When an elder told me between Bible study and worship I should think about resigning today. I didn’t know how to handle the request without panic and despair. If someone made that same statement today, I would ask, “What did the other elders say? When will we meet to discuss this? I don’t have time before worship starts in five minutes.” But on December 19, 1976, at 10:20 a.m., I didn’t have calmness to think of choices and ask for help. It was time to go.

3. When leaders decided I had too much power and my input was discarded and eliminated. A counselor told me, “Jerrie, unless you run off with the secretary or steal their money, they won’t fire you. You can stay here until you die. But they will ignore you. If you can enjoy writing or something else to feel a sense of accomplishment, you can stay and be happy. If you need to be involved in the working of a congregation to thrive, you need to look elsewhere.”

4. When I was an unintentional interim and I didn’t want to spend decades to overcome the handicap. Some of the best training for interim ministry was experiencing what it’s like to be punished for something I didn’t do. The best time to respond to that situation is before you move. The best time to get a divorce is before you get married when the marriage won’t be mutually encouraging.

But I’m glad I was able to get training in the University of Hard Knocks. I’m a better interim preacher because of those five years.

5. When I planed to leave before I began. At my last work, I had in mind interim ministry after my full-time work. I shared my intentions before I started my work at Berry’s Chapel. The elders and I discussed this in yearly reviews. We discussed in more detail as time drew closer. I resigned three years before I left. We wanted to make a smooth, planned transition.

My advice for elders and preachers: before you begin, discuss: 1. How long you plan to stay.

2. How you plan to leave.

Revisit an exit plan once a year until you leave. You’re going to leave by death, disability, your choice, their choice, or by cooperatively working on a transition to

bless you and the congregation. Leave on purpose rather than accidentally. Leave with mutual plans and wisdom of the leaders and yourself.

These were not circumstances where churches did me wrong and I did everything right and had to move. Some were issues where I didn’t know a wise way to respond. With more experience, I learned from each move and later could meet similar opportunities and encourage growth for all involved.

Suggestions to Know When to Go

1. Buy a house. When the brethren and you agree in writing for you to become a homeowner, this indicates both of you anticipate a long-term relationship, not two years. Making house payments kept me from quitting on several Mondays. It’s harder to list a house, sell it, move, and buy or rent another than to rent a U-Haul and move away on impulse. Going somewhere is better than running away from something. That takes thinking, evaluation, and time.

2. Take a trip. I had insight when I was away from my home and local work that clarified my thinking about leaving or staying on more than one occasion.

3. Read Wade Hodges’ book, When to Leave…Before You Go. He says: The only sure-fire way to keep from being haunted by the specter of having left too soon is to make sure you stay too long. Just don’t stay so long that you fry your system and disqualify yourself from future opportunities. The goal is to stay long enough without staying way too long (Kindle Locations 112-114).

Wade examines the insides of a preacher to help him learn how not to meet the same problems at a new church he had at his last church because he brought himself along.

4. Cultivate a friend who will tell you when he or she thinks it’s time for you to go. When I was fired and then rehired, I had a friend who told me it might be time to go. After I got over being mad and hurt, I concluded he was right. It’s been thirtynine years. I still think he gave me good advice.

5. Pray before you make up your mind what you’re going to do. God promises to give wisdom when we ask for it (James 1:5) and when we work for it (Proverbs 2:1-5).

Be willing to spend painful time in confusion before you come to a final decision to go or stay. __________

For questions, comments, or criticism, you may contact: Jerrie W. Barber, jerrie@barberclippings.com 2 blogs by Jerrie W. Barber: 1. For leaders and those who love them, New Shepherds Orientation: www.newshepherdsorientation.com 2. For information and instruction on transitions and interim ministry, Between Preachers: www.jerriebarber.com

Is It Selfish to Talk about Money?

by Aubrey Johnson, aubreyhjohnson@me.com

The story of the widow’s mite is inspiring, but it is not a model for everyday money management (Luke 21:1-4). Jesus’ words to the Rich Young Ruler are challenging, but they do not require every Christian to dispose of his wealth (Mark 10:17-27). Stirring narratives like these can leave ministers feeling selfish, worldly or tawdry for asking elders to reevaluate their compensation. Is it selfish to talk about money? The fact that this question burdens the conscience of many good men evidences the cunning of Satan who would hamper the work of the kingdom by discouraging the hearts of her servants.

No doubt, covetousness is a deadly sin to be avoided (1 Timothy 6:10), but equating legitimate concerns with materialism is a mistake. God gave you a body to clothe, house and nourish as well as loved ones to care for (1 Timothy 5:8).

Materialism is a preoccupation with worldly comforts and concerns to the exclusion of the spiritual and cultural. You should seek first the kingdom of God, but it does not honor Him to neglect your physical well-being. Skipping doctors appointments or dentist visits does not make you holier. Similarly, making an appointment with a financial planner or meeting with your elders to discuss your financial needs does not make you ungodly or ungrateful. It is not unchristian to ask for a raise (cost-of-living adjustments are not raises) or negotiate a fair contract.

Failure to do so may have more to do with low self-esteem than high principles.

When Paul said, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11b), he was not recommending vows of poverty for married ministers. You may be penniless at the end of the month, but it should not be due to a failure to communicate. Adjusting your attitude is commendable when you do all you can, but first do what you can.

Beatitudes for Money Talks 1. Be confident that, if you give your best, you are worthy of your hire. — 1 Timothy 5:18 2. Be a good steward of what the church provides (live on a budget). — Luke 12:15 3. Be grateful, not hateful, for what you have received in the past. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 4. Be humble and make requests rather than demands. — Matthew 7:7 5. Be-lieve the best about your elders and their desire to deal fairly with you. — 1 Corinthians 13:7 6. Be courageous and ask for what you really need. — 2 Timothy 1:7 7. Be thankful for any additional compensation you receive. — Philippians 4:14 8. Be uncomplaining if you do not get everything you want. — Philippians 2:14 9. Be quick to communicate non-budgeted expenses rather than relying on credit. — Proverbs 22:7 10.Be appropriate, patient and persistent in making your case. — Luke 18:1-8 11.Be open to the possibility God has other plans for you and is trying to get your attention.

Ingratitude and disrespect do not endear you to leaders. When your tone is right, your elders are more likely to hear you and help you. Be frank and civil, then entrust the matter to God. You are doing a noble work, and sometimes that will involve sacrifice, but do not suffer needlessly. Also, do not resent the help of family and friends who support your work on behalf of the Kingdom. It gives them joy.

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How To Start Well

by Brian Jarrett, brian.jarrett@hartsvillepikecoc.com

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Most of us have heard a form of these words many times. We have probably said something along these lines to others. Starting well concerns the fresh-faced college grad venturing into his intimidating first work. It is also the desire of those beginning round 2 after a rocky or rollicking first gig. Starting off on the right foot is no less important to the mid-life crisis minister, or the ‘lifer’ who is launching into his last work.

If we are to end well (2 Timothy 4:6-7), we need to start well. But how?

Bathe the new beginning in prayer. Failing to avail ourselves of the providential help of God is a recipe for disaster. The prayer life of Jesus encourages us to be fervent with the Father at all times. He understands our trepidation and fears on the one hand, and our excitement and anticipation on the other. In the New Testament, most preachers including the apostles, were itinerant. Paul remained in cities occasionally (Acts 18:11; 19:10; 20:31) for a couple of years at a time. But in God’s economy, most were on the move. While we don’t have a recorded prayer of a preacher starting in located work, no doubt these men leaned on God for guidance.

Seek to be emotionally healthy. Reasons for beginning a new work are so varied.

They include the heady ‘come up higher’ call to a bigger congregation and salary that could lead to pride. Many will wrestle with resentment if the previous work ended on a sour note. A preacher friend of mine used to say that he left a church because of ‘health’ – the brethren were sick of him! Our wives (and children, if they are still at home) may struggle as much or more than us with the idea of relocating, especially if it involves drastic changes geographically, economically, etc.

Be careful about letting anger or hurt at a former place jeopardize your present.

Adequate time between works may be necessary to gain perspective. Seek out mentors or counselors to build you up. If you are fortunate, they will be seeking you.

Get on a fast-track to knowing the congregation. People love to hear their names.

Few preachers are blessed with a photographic memory. Work at memorizing families. If they have a recent pictorial directory, spend time with it knowing that your familiarity with them will pay dividends. Depending on the size of the congregation, striving to be in homes early and often is a great goal. A caution: some preachers have verbally promised to visit every member in the first year. If you don’t, the church (or at least the few that you missed!) will remember. Better to do and not promise, than to promise and not do!

Related to that, assimilating into the community in various ways will cement your dedication to the work and provide valuable outreach opportunities.

Walk a fine line between implementing change and respecting traditions.

Congregations have personalities, just like people. That may imply a spectrum of good and bad ones. Some bodies thrive on change and adaptation (and I am not encouraging that which is unscriptural). Others are more regimented and set in their ways. You may have a dozen new programs or ministries to implement. There might be a concern of introducing too much, too quickly.

Seek to gauge the pace for bringing in the new, especially with elders if the congregation has them. You are a team player and not the coach.

Try to see your new start through the congregation’s eyes.

There will likely be those who loved the previous minister and/or family. Whether he passed away, moved by his choice, or was let go, they may be slow in warming up to you. Do not take it personally.

Some congregations are guarded because a former preacher has left a bad taste in their mouths. It could be from an issue related to immorality, false teaching, or insubordination. You had no part in that, but they were still burned. Do not take it personally.

There will be some sweet little old ladies who think you’re the best thing since the apostle Paul. The new will wear off for them as the honeymoon ebbs. At the same time, you will see the flaws of the local body that, like a woman’s makeup, cannot conceal the blemishes forever.

How many starts will you make in your ministry? Ones like Paul Rogers in the brotherhood are rare that have it as a one-time occurrence. Whether a few, or a dozen or more new beginnings, may we always be determined to be 1 Thessalonians 2:10 ministers behaving “devoutly and justly and blamelessly” among the believers!

Talking to Others About Knowing When to Leave

by Jeff A. Jenkins, jeffajenkins@gmail.com Several years ago, I received a call from an elder we have known for many years.

We have loved and respected him because of his wonderful heart for the Lord and his love for the Lord’s people.

He asked me if I would be willing to speak with the man who had been their preacher for many years about either retiring or at least considering a different position in the life of the congregation.

My immediate response was, no thank you. The first reason was because of my belief that the preacher probably wouldn’t listen to me. The second reason I gave my friend was, “It’s your job to do that, not mine.”

He said, “Jeff, we love him, we don’t want to hurt him or his family, but we believe it’s time for a new man in the pulpit.” He proceeded to tell me that the brother refused to talk to anyone about it.

This type of scenario has played out all too often in congregations of the Lord’s people around the world. Preachers who hold on for dear life. Sometimes we seem to think it will make us appear to be weak if we talk to people around us.

I am also certain that there are preachers who don’t talk to others because they don’t want to be a burden. Some have invested so much of their life into their work that they honestly fear the thought of losing their job. Unfortunately, there are some of us who, let’s be honest, are just too proud, believing we can figure it out ourselves.

One of my personal greatest fears in life is that I will outstay my effectiveness, not my welcome, but my effectiveness in the local congregation where I preach. Our job is about feeding the flock with the Word of God. It is about equipping the saints. It is about preaching the truth in love. It is about ministering to the needs of our people. Brothers the work we do is too important, the eternal consequences are too big, for us not to make the right decision about when it is time for us to make a move.

It is my belief, that there is never any shame in asking for advice from people around us who we trust. In fact, the Scriptures teach us it is a good thing.

“Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory” (Proverbs 11:14). “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days” (Proverbs 19:20). “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:15).

With these Scriptures in our minds and hearts, let’s consider who we should talk to and the approach we should take in talking to others.

We should talk to our family. Most often, our wife knows us better than anyone. If we are wondering about the need to make a change, we would do well to ask for her input. She knows, probably better than anyone else if we are losing our influence, if we are showing signs of being worn out, burned out, or lethargic about

our work. If we have grown children who worship where we preach, we should ask them if we are still connecting the Word of God to the people in the pew. We should ask them if we seem enthusiastic about preaching the Word. Of course, the down side of talking with family is they often don’t want to tell us the full truth because they don’t want to hurt us.

We should talk to our elders. My prayer is that you have a good relationship with your elders. If you trust them, and I hope you do, it would be wise to ask them how they think things are going. Ask them if they see any changes you need to make.

Ask them to let you know if they believe it is time for you to go. Again, if they love their man in the pulpit, it will be difficult for them. They don’t want to hurt you or your family.

We should talk to a select group of friends in the Church. Perhaps someone close to you in the Church who doesn’t have a vested interest because of a leadership position might be able to be more objective.

We should talk to other preachers with whom we have a close friendship. Someone who could be even more objective would be a preacher friend who knows you and who knows something about the congregation where you work. Ask your friend to be honest about how you seem to be doing. Ask him if you spend too much time complaining about the congregation where you preach. Ask him if you seem to be heading toward burnout.

We should talk to the Lord. A long time ago a wise man said, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) We should regularly pray to our Father asking Him to give us wisdom to make the proper decision about moving. While He will not give us an outward sign or speak to us directly, He can and will work through those closest to us about making the proper decision. We can ask Him for discernment as we study His Word and as we listen to the wise advice of people we love and trust.

Leaving Gracefully

by Stan Butt, Jr., stanbuttjr@gmail.com

Recently I made the difficult decision to leave a church I had served for almost seventeen years. This was my first job as a preacher. This church loved me, raised me, took good care of me, and was patient with me. So the decision to leave was a painful one for both me and the church. I prayed and sought counsel, and I hope I went through the process with humility and grace. I hope I was a help to the church I love and to the man who will follow me. I've been asked to share some of those things with you.

My first piece of advice is this, Don't Leave. John Vaughan once told me that the secret to successful ministry is to find a place where you fit like a glove and stay there. The number one metric for successful churches is longevity in the ministry staff. Leaving a church is one of the most difficult and painful things any minister can do, so don't. Stay as long as you can. Do as much good as you can. The Lord put you here for a reason. You. Here. But...

If the time does come to leave...

Do it decisively. Make up your mind. If you have come to the point of deciding to leave, kindly ignore all pleas to stay and any offers of pay raises. Don't leave anywhere for money and don't stay anywhere for money. When you let your current elders know that you are leaving give them a date and let them know that this decision has already been reached and is final. Make sure you give them plenty of notice, but don't hang around too long. At your hiring you were likely given a "notice" protocol. It's usually four to six weeks. They may or may not want you preaching during that period. If they don't, don't take it too hard. If they do, and I hope they do, use that time to love them and help them through the transition.

You can't control the news. In my opinion, it's better if the first thing the church hears is that you're leaving not that you are looking. Once you have accepted another position, news is going to get out fast. With social media it's practically

impossible to sit on hiring information and roll it out perfectly. When you tell your elders you're leaving, leave it up to them to decide how and when to tell the church. Offer to do it for them. Offer to help them, and caution them against waiting too long, because it WILL get out.

If you can't control the news, you can control the narrative. This is your story and you get to tell it. It can be a story full of grace, hope, and love. Or it can be a story full of spite and resentment. But you get to choose, because it's your story. You are leaving for a number of reasons. You don't have to publicize them all. Focus on the reasons that will help the church to heal and move on. Don't make the negative reasons part of the story. The last thing you want to do is create more hurt.

Your job here is to heal.

I reached out to Jerrie Barber for some advice on helping the church through this time. He said you need to tell the church five things simply and often. I followed that advice to the letter and want to share those five things with you.

1) Tell them you are sorry for any hurts, mistakes, blunders, or problems you may have caused while you were there. Ask them to come to you with anything that you need to apologize for or make amends for. Don't leave without fixing what you can fix through apologizing and asking for forgiveness.

2) Tell them you forgive them. In the years you have worked for that church someone has hurt you. Tell them it's okay. Tell them, not by name, from the pulpit.

Tell them privately, but tell them. I was blessed to be able to say to the church that there was nothing that I needed to forgive anyone there for. Say it anyway.

3) Tell them "Thank You." They fed you, clothed you, put a roof over your head, probably sent you through school, sent you on vacations, raised your children, walked with you through hard times, celebrated with you in happy times, shared their lives with you. You cannot thank a church enough. Try hard.

4) Tell them you love them and always will.

5) Tell them "Goodbye." This is important. Too many times we say things like, "This isn't really goodbye." We try to explain away the hard truth. This relationship is fundamentally changing and denying that reality is not healthy for you, your family, or the church. It is "goodbye."

I said all five of these important things over and over again during my last few weeks, and I am so thankful I did.

If the elders trust you enough to let you preach right up until you leave, don't abuse that opportunity but do use it. Think of the church. Think of the elders. Think of the guy who will follow you. Set them all up for success as much as it is in your power to do so. My last sermons before leaving were my first sermons when I arrived at the new place. I preached on Esther being here "for such a time as this" and explained how times of crisis and uncertainty are also times of the greatest opportunity for God's people. I preached about Moses and Joshua and "the success of successors." (When I preached it the first time I got to be Moses. The second time I was Joshua.) Remind them that the success of God's people is BECAUSE they are God's people, not because of one man in the front. Beg them to love and support the man who follows you the way they loved and supported you. Make sure you explain that they shouldn't expect him to be you. Because he won't be.

He'll do some things worse than you. He'll do some things, maybe many things, better than you. But no matter what, he won't be you. Get that across.

Lastly, let's discuss your last meeting with the elders. Admit it, you have a speech already planned out. On your way out you're going to tell those elders how it is.

All the things they're doing wrong. All the ways they have to change if this church is going to survive. You've waited years to make this speech and now you can.

Congratulations. DON'T DO IT. Pray about it. Wad it up and throw it away. If you've waited until that moment to say what you think has to be said, you missed your window. If you wait until you have a new job lined up to say "hard things" to your elders, that's just cowardly, at best. Chances are your elders are in a tail spin.

Members of the church are approaching them on every side. Hiring a preacher is the most stressful and frightening thing elders do. They take it seriously. It keeps them up at night. Many nights. For months. Your job is to encourage them. Be positive. Tell them you appreciate them and love them. Tell them you'll miss them.

Offer to help them in any way they want. Then get out of the way.

A few times in my life I've had a broken heart. Leaving a church you love will do it every time. Goodbyes are hard. Do what you can to make your Goodbye a good one. 

Transition Adjustment In Ministry

by Lonnie Jones, lonjones@bellsouth.net

“When life doesn’t turn out like I expect it to I suffer loss. Humans grieve all losses.”

(The American Academy of Bereavement).

Moving from ministry to ministry involves a “loss”. Either the minister moves and he was not ready or the minister moves and the congregation or congregants were not ready. The nature of ministry is transitional. The average tenure is less than ten years and the twenty year tenure is exceptional.

So there’s been a move. How does one continue to minister to the congregation left behind? One DOESN’T. In studying grief recovery I’ve left the Kubler Ross Model and adopted the William Warden model and his four tasks of grieving. Here they are in a paraphrased form.

1. Accept the Reality.

When confronting a loss it’s imperative to accept, embrace and acknowledge that the loss has occurred. You have moved. “He is no longer my minister.” Expecting the last guy to swoop back into town and respond to crisis, tragedy, etc. is to fail to recognize that HE IS NO LONGER THE LOCAL MINISTER. Until we (ministers and congregants) accept the reality of the move we are cheating the new minister, cheating where we moved from, and making it difficult to let the members we “left” complete the fourth task of reinvestment. In truth we are not fully committing to the new work, situation, job that we have transitioned into.

2. Express and Experience all the emotions.

Emotional expression is healthy. It comes from God. Being able to say I am sad, mad, angry, glad, hurt, scared, confused is not indicative of some failure of faith and should not be seen as such. However, those expressions in no way should affect reality. In the discussions of Emotional Intelligence Dr. John Gottman talks about letting people feel what they feel. Some of those feelings come with

strategies to deal with the situation and options for behaviors. Outlining, understanding and implementing those behaviors is called Empowerment.

Sometimes feelings are present and there is nothing to be done. Understanding that reality and saying I’m in a new situation and although I “get” how you feel; we can’t change it. Thus Empathy is the best course. My coming back to town for this crisis, event etc. is only going to delay the reality that I am not the minister.

3. Adjust to the new norm.

It is important to move out of the past and into the present. If this is a job your minister should do; the let YOUR minister do it or he never has the opportunity to become YOUR minister. The current level comparison (the current minister) and the alternate level comparison (our former minister) is always unfair because we see the guy who left in a fantasy role. “He was the best, greatest, wisest, etc.”. In truth he was a flawed human. YOU may have liked him better than the new guy… but hey at this point you know him better and are more comfortable with him. The new norm is simply about asking, “Who is our minister now?” And “Will we give him the chance to minister?”

4. Reinvest your energy into something new.

In order to build a relationship with the new guy you must build a relationship with the new guy. We have to invite him to our occasions and accept invitations when they are offered. Until we invest the new we are going to be held in the past by the old. Everything you say “yes” to is something else we say “no” to.

Ministers like to feel important and validated. So if we were asked to leave and someone reaches out to us it feels like vindication. Don’t let ego interfere with a new minister’s work and don’t let ego interfere with your new ministry work.

I’m not saying it’s inappropriate to return for a graduation, wedding or a funeral. I am saying we need to facilitate the completion of the above four tasks so that we can get to the business of our new work and let the new man get to the business of his new work. We are all working in the same kingdom and for the same King.

Paul cautions about people whose Christian identity can be summed up in people.

“I am of Paul, I am of Apollos, I am of Cephas…” I know that’s a bit out of context because there was group who claimed, “I am of Christ”. But the point is that our identity is not in the minister but rather the Master.

I’m sure I’ve left out that situation that is the exception. But in most cases a failure to move forward into the future is setting you and your former work, your current work, or former member for failure or disappointment.

We all have enduring friendships from places we’ve lived and worked. Friendship and ministry are often co-mingled. If they are not in your close personal circle and are not present for your crisis, transitions, celebrations, etc. Then they are calling it friendship when it’s actually ministry. Friendship is reciprocal. Ministry does not have to be and often is not.

Paul also said, “If Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.”

Again I’ve taken a liberty with context but when a guy who is not “Paul” shows up he should not be afraid because he is not “Paul”…he does the same work (ministry) as “Paul” so treat him like “Paul”. Don’t despise him and let him be there or move on in peace.

Questions I Need to Ask

by Jason Moon, jasonmoonmail@gmail.com

There are three things true of ministry – death, taxes and moving. Preachers usually move a few times during the course of their career. This brief article is not about why a person might move – there are many reasons that could happen. But during the course of discussions with a potential new eldership, there are certain questions every minister should ask.

A series of strategic questions protects the preacher and his family from many problems. Problems are inevitable in ministry, but some can be avoided by asking the right questions. The following list is not exhaustive, but provides a framework of the type of questions a minister should ask. Rather than a long list of many questions, break down the questions into a few categories such as: doctrinal, work, practical, business/professional and family.

DOCTRINAL 1. What does “all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God” mean?

2. Explain the authority of Scripture?

3. Explain your understanding/model of interpreting the Scriptures?

4. Explain your view of the Trinity, especially your understanding of the work/ role of the Holy Spirit in our lives today?

5. What is the role of baptism in salvation?

6. What is the role of women in the leadership and public teaching of the church? How are women empowered to lead and serve in scriptural ways?

7. What is your understanding of corporate worship that is in “spirit and truth” especially in regard to the use of instrumental music in accompaniment with singing?

8. What does the Bible teach about the nature of the undenominational church of Christ? What do you believe are the greatest challenges facing the church today, locally and universally?

9. What do you believe to be the Bible’s teaching about candidates for remarriage after divorce? How do you minister to divorcees? What about the sin of homosexuality?

10.Explain the elders’ understanding of the work of evangelism? How involved are the elders in evangelism? Is there a program to empower others to be involved?

11.What do you believe the Bible teaches about alcohol and social drinking?

WORK 1. Describe the role of the preacher in a local congregation outside of the pulpit?

2. Describe how you believe a preacher’s work week should look? Are Sundays considered a work day?

3. In addition to preaching, what other duties does this job entail? Expectations about visiting members? Involvement in teaching Bible classes? Administrative expectations? Involvement in other ministries/committees?

4. What type of office hours are expected? Do you respect that a part of the minister’s job requires work away from the office or during the evenings sometimes?

5. Will I answer to anyone other than the elders concerning my duties/ performance?

6. How do you shepherd a preacher who needs shepherding, professionally and spiritually?

7. Are annual reviews conducted and, if so, describe the nature of those reviews?

8. Why did your last preacher leave? Have you ever fired a preacher in the past?

If so, why?

9. Other than the pulpit work, is there anything the previous minister did well that I’d be expected to continue to do? Is there anything he struggled with that you will expect me to do (congregations often hire based on the weaknesses of the previous minister)?

10.If the previous minister was a long tenured minister is the congregation ready to move on to a new preacher?

PRACTICAL 1. How does the eldership handle decision making and disputes? Do you make decisions on a simple majority or do you strive for consensus? What’s the last “major” decision you made? Give an example of a decision you are deliberating right now?

2. How often will I meet with the elders? Will I be a part of regular meetings with the elders? Can we communicate through texts or emails on matters that needed to be decided quickly without having to have a meeting?

3. Will I be consulted and informed about major decisions that affect me or the membership before it’s announced to the congregation?

4. What’s the worst thing I might discover about this congregation/eldership (you’ll need to prepared to answer that question about yourself)?

5. Do you have any “sacred cows” (things you’d admit are not based on the Bible but matters of tradition that you seem to hold on to even if they need to be changed)?

6. Give an example of what it means to “keep the message the same, but try new methods?” When is the last time you tried a new method of ministry and how successful was the change?

BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL 1. Are lectureships and conferences encouraged? If so, how many annually? Are expenses reimbursed?

2. What is the time allowed for gospel meetings, Wednesday speaking engagements, and other outside speaking engagements?

3. What benefits other than an annual salary will I receive? Is paid healthcare included? Matching pension plan for retirement? How many paid vacation days? Sick days? If I’m expected to be “on call” do you provide a mobile phone/plan of my choosing? (Note: salary discussions should come later in the negotiation period for two reasons: You don’t want to appear that it’s about the money and if you are the person the elders believe they should hire after extended talks you are in a better position to negotiate).

4. Can I own my own home or will I be expected to live in a church owned home? If required to live in a parsonage, are there any special rules?

FAMILY CONSIDERATIONS 1. What do you expect of my wife in addition to her being a faithful Christian and spouse?

2. Will I or my family be held to a different spiritual standard than what is reasonably expected from those in leadership?

It is not unreasonable to conclude that the questions you ask (and the questions elders will ask you) will be the difference in being offered the position you seek.

But beyond the initial hiring stage, strategic questions lay a good foundation of expectations for you and the elders. The information from the questions you ask will impact how functional you are weeks, months or years into the job. It’s also recommended to formulate some questions with special emphasis on problematic areas in past jobs because no man wants to make the same mistake twice. Lastly, keep a record of your questions and answers in the event problems arise.

What Do I Preach When I

by Kyle Rye, kylerye@bufordcoc.com

Two weeks after it was announced that I was taking a new preaching position, I ran into Dale Jenkins at Faulkner University. This was going to be my first pulpit transition, so he asked if I knew what to preach with my remaining Sundays at the congregation I was leaving. Unsure of what he meant and inexperienced in the field of leaving a pulpit, I instinctively answered, “No.” It was then that he shared some sage advice that impacted my sermon preparation for those last Sundays.

Based on Dale’s advice and my first experience of leaving a congregation, here are three things you should or should not preach when you leave.

1. Do preach some of you favorite sermons again: At first glance, this suggestion sounds lazy. It may seem like I am suggesting that one should not waste new material on the congregation that he is leaving. But that is not the intent. The reason I suggest preaching some of your favorite sermons again is because they are typically sermons about which you are the most passionate.

During a time of transition it is important to make sure that the passion does not diminish from your preaching. It is very easy to let the excitement of a new opportunity overshadow the excitement of the current opportunity. In my opinion, preaching should always be approached “like a burning fire shut up in [your] bones” that you are “weary of holding…in” (Jeremiah 20:9). Even though a new opportunity is on the horizon, the current opportunity should still be approached with the same zeal for sharing God’s word.

This is where rehashing your favorite sermons comes into play. By repackaging, refreshing, and reusing some of your favorite sermons you can ensure that the excitement over sharing God’s word in the current situation is not only present within you but visible to the congregation.

2. Do not preach with the intent of fixing perceived problems in the church: The first direction I received from Dale regarding what to preach when you leave is that one should not preach to the problems of the congregation that he is leaving.

As soon as he offered this suggestion my inexperienced, internal response was to ask, “Why not?” I thought to myself, “As the departing preacher would I not be in an unique position to point out issues that I had observed over the past several years that needed to be corrected?”

Even though I initially pondered such questions, I took Dale’s advice, knowing that he possessed experience that I lacked. And as I considered his advice over the weeks leading up to my departure, I recognized two potential dangers from trying to “fix” perceived problems in the church with your final sermons.

First, the congregation may perceive your efforts to “fix” the congregation as “attacks” on the congregation. Since your departure will prevent you from being present to assist with resolving such issues, the congregation may perceive your effort as an inappropriate attempt to criticize them on your way out the door.

Second, the congregation may conclude that you are leaving because of these problems. If such is not the case, then you may create a false perception about why you are leaving. If such is the case, then you may cause the congregation to feel as though you are ungrateful for the opportunity it afforded you.

For the record, I am not suggesting that you ignore Paul’s instruction to “reprove, rebuke, and exhort” (2 Timothy 4:2), but that you heed Paul’s instruction to “do all

things without grumbling or disputing” (Philippians 2:14). One’s departure from a pulpit is an especially important time to build up rather than tear down as it forces a congregation to face a transitional period.

3. Do preach on the great themes of Scripture: During the course of my transition, I was reminded that I am not the first person to depart. So, I spent some time studying the last words of great heroes in the Bible, and here is what I noticed.

• • • • • •

Moses instructed the Israelites to devote themselves to the words of God (Deuteronomy 32:46-47).

Joshua instructed the Israelites to choose which deity they were going to serve (Joshua 24:15).

Samuel instructed the Israelites to rid themselves of idolatry (1 Samuel 12:20-21).

David instructed Solomon to abandon fear and trust God (1 Chronicles 28:20).

Jesus instructed His disciples to be known by their love for others (John 13:34-35).

Paul instructed Timothy to be ready to stand for the truth and to face the final judgment (2 Timothy 4:1-8).

Upon examination, the farewell addresses of these biblical figures covered some of the great themes of Scripture such as obedience, covenant, sin, faith, love, and preparation. This aligns with another piece of advice that Dale gave me regarding my last sermons. He encouraged me to preach on the great themes of Scripture because you can never go wrong addressing those subjects that permeate God’s word. To accomplish this end, I consulted the final words of some great preachers in Scripture.

What you preach when you leave matters not so much because it will be memorable nor because it will dictate the future of the congregation you are leaving but because it will be a test of your character. May you be as confident giving an account for your final words as you are with your first (Matthew 12:36-37).

What do I Peach When I First get There?

by Dale Jenkins, dale@edge.net

Certain things people say stay with you.

Talking with a preaching friend of mine about 10 years ago about multi-staff churches he said: “Our goal is to do everything we can to set him up for success and to help keep him from making any dumb mistakes in his first year. I think of that most every time I talk to someone beginning a new work - and that’s a lot. The question that comes up the most is, what should I preach when I first start a new work? Here are some of my thoughts: 1. Tell God’s Story: You’re a Gospel preacher, preach the Gospel and remember it’s the Gospel (hint for bonus points - it’s GOOD news).

2. Tell God’s Story in your life: That’s what Paul would have done and often did in his first appearance before a new audience (Acts 22; 23; 24, 26). I heard Jim Bill McInteer preach a sermon on the life of Joseph (i.e. you meant it for evil) years ago that helped me see God’s story in my story, or better worded my little story as a part of God’s great big story.

3. In my first series or couple of months I would tell them what I believe: Be clear. It does not matter how well the elders know you or how many doctrinal questions, surveys, etc that they gave you the congregation will not know you. They may have some preconceived ideas because of the elders confidence in you, where you preached in the past, where you went to school, etc - but they do not know you.

Years ago I was blessed to move to a large church at a young age. I hit the ground running - with my best, most creative, favorite sermons. The younger people loved me - the older ones wondered what i was up to. And then about three years in when I started hearing people promote ideas and such that I would never have embraced it dawned on me, I’ve never been clear enough on those things. I never clearly told them what I believe about the inspiration and authority of the Scriptures, about the uniqueness of the church, about worship, about the absolute essentiality of baptism. I figured they knew. They didn’t. It was all on me. Now,

when I begin I start with a series I call: This I Believe. Tell them what you hold firm on, what you value, what you believe.

4. Here’s a novel idea that shouldn’t be: Ask the elders! Ask them what they believe the needs are. It’s their responsibility to know the flock. Add to that that they know where the rocks are. They know what subjects have been problematic in the past and what issues are more sensitive at the time that may need to be approached with finesse. And, whatever they tell you, be sure and include that prominently in your playback.

5. After all of that, I’d preach my best stuff: Some say hold off, I would say preach your best sermons. Here’s why…THAT’S WHAT THEY ARE EXPECTING YOU TO DO. And if you don’t they will think it is your best and will wonder why you were ever hired in the first place. I also say preach your best stuff early because you are in a new environment. If you are a bit like me you will be nervous. So preaching your best stuff will mean the stuff you are most familiar with and comfortable with.

5. One more and this one may be more on the what not to preach than what to.

Let me put it this way, don’t spend cash you don’t have: And, now, let me explain.

“Influence is cash” and if you try to spend more than you have you will be overdrawn. Some preachers go in “guns-a-blazing” last 3 or 4 good months and spend the next 12-18 fighting and moving. They believe they have stood for truth but do not understand influence and do ZERO good for the church. Get some “cash” in the bank and then spend it. Don’t be a hoarder or try to be a “money baron” - “cash’ can corrupt and rust, so use that influence but in those early days let them know you are not a radical trying to kill their sacred cows but a preacher of the Word of God who teaches it fairly, faithfully, and deals honestly with the text in his own life and before the congregation and you’ll be amazed at how much good you can do.

Developing a Plan for Leaving or Retiring

by John W. Dale; jdale@murray-ky.net

Beginning a new chapter is always a thrilling time in the life of a preacher.

It’s also possible that it can be filled with apprehension, even jitters, because of the unknowns, especially if past situations were less than pleasant. That’s why one of the first orders of business in the new work should include a possible design for an exit strategy, a plan for leaving or retiring.

My own experience with a plan for leaving or retiring, which actually culminated in mid-2012, was to go into the work from the first day planning to stay until it became obvious that my leaving would better serve the cause I claim to love than my staying would. A few times in my thirty-nine years of full-time work with the 7th and Poplar/Glendale Road Church of Christ in Murray, Kentucky, I gave serious consideration to relocating. Each time, I concluded that my work was not finished in Murray, and I should keep building on the foundation already established with the precious people who had become “family” to my wife, our children, and me.

To the interviewing elders and search committees, my message became somewhat standard, “I thank you for the invitation to work with you, but at this time, after much prayer and pondering, I believe God would have me stay where I am.”

The agreement that I had with the elders in Murray was fairly simple: 1. If I decide to re-locate (or retire), I will give you at least six-months’ notice, and will fulfill my responsibilities during that six months.

2. If you ask me to leave, I will be paid my regular salary for six months or until I am employed elsewhere.

Retirement planning is much more pleasant than resigning or being terminated.

From the beginning of my long tenure with the 7th and Poplar/Glendale family, I knew that the day would come when I should step aside, at least from the full weight of responsibility that was expected of the Pulpit Minister in a church of over a thousand members. Each Sunday there were four messages: a 5:00 a.m.; 9:00 a.m., and 6:00 p.m. worship assembly, and the Auditorium Class at 10:00 a.m. I taught the Auditorium Class each Wednesday evening, Ladies Bible Class on Tuesday mornings, and served on numerous boards and committees in the MurrayCalloway County community. Throughout the week, there was a television program, two daily radio programs, sessions with people both from the church and the community, as well as 55 to 70 funerals and 15 to 20 weddings each year. At age 55, I presented to the elders a somewhat definitive plan that I hoped we could follow. My last day on staff would be June 30, 2012, completing 39 years of fulltime employment. I would be 66½ years of age and able to draw full benefits from Social Security. Hopefully I would still be healthy enough to do many things without having to be paid. As the time drew near, I saw it fall into place, almost exactly as it had been planned.

My advice to anyone planning a pulpit exit, regardless of how it comes about, is relatively simple: 1. Remember who you are and Whose you are. Make every plan, every move, every meeting, every word in view of the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). Become familiar with Dr. Denis Waitley’s “Double Win” philosophy, and practice it intentionally! How you choose to handle the transition can have great influence, even eternal impact, on precious souls.

2. The work in which we’re engaged is larger than any one of us, larger than all of us combined. We are honored to have a part in the greatest work in the world. Approach the ministry with humility and yet with boldness. Avoid pettiness and self-serving competitiveness with other ministers and elders (cf. Philippians 1:15-20). Never let it be said that any of us participated in wounding the body of Christ!

3. None of us is indispensable! We ought to think highly, but not too highly, of ourselves (Romans 12:3). Jesus is the head of His church, and it is He to Whom our praise is to be directed (Ephesians 3:20-21). Never rejoice in the difficulties others are experiencing, even if we might appear favorable by comparison.

4. Make certain that your successor has your prayerful backing and support. If he asks for your input, be willing and gracious in giving it. If no such request

comes, simply pray fervently and often that his work will praise God and help the people and the community you once served.

In closing, may I encourage you to come into the ministry role in which you have been invited to serve with confidence and with humble reverence. While in that ministry, serve wholeheartedly with honoring Christ as your primary goal (Colossians 3:23). Close that facet of your ministry with all the finesse and integrity humanly possible. Others are forming their opinions of the Lord Jesus Christ by observing the lives of His followers, especially those who choose to be very public in their life’s work. Let us be sure that what they see is an honest effort to serve with clean hands and a pure heart. While that’s true for all Christians, it is especially important for those who are most visible (James 3:1).

Ideas on Getting to Know People

by David Baker, dbaker32@hotmail.com

“Most people get into an organization based on knowledge and skill, but they advance because of their ability to work with people.�

It was an eye-opening statement spoken by the facilitator at a recent leadership conference, one that goes against the grain of what we think we are called to do in ministry. When beginning a new work, we tend to think that our value is best measured by what we do, so we move quickly to implement a new plan - meeting with church leaders, quickly trying to assess the situation, and off we go to the ministry races. Been there, done that, and realized that a strategic plan is not helpful for moving the church forward initially.

So, how is this for a radical idea: instead of beginning a ministry with DO, why not BE?

When it comes to establishing yourself in a new ministry, building bridges is where it’s at. So, what are some suggestions for connecting with people once you begin a new work? Here are three modest proposals: 1. Establish a ministry of presence.

Just be for a while – no need to rush in with new plans and strategies (They’ll be dismantled anyway once you learn the true lay of the land). Perhaps it would be best to take a cue from Jesus’ extended stay at the temple as a child. After three days, his parents found him in the temple courts, “sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46). Jesus took time to listen and connect.

My experience in beginning a new work is that you need to take six months or so to be present with your new faith family. Understand that a time of transition is difficult for everyone. Ben Franklin said, “The only person who likes change is a wet baby.” So, slow it down and resist the urge to speed it up. Have people over to your home, grab a cup of coffee to help a member heal, attend a youth devotional, accompany your senior citizens on a trip. Listening is like unfolding your map before the journey, and I really can’t say that strongly enough.

2. Seek to understand micro-narratives.

When learning how a congregation operates, there are really two kinds of narratives to think about: the macro and the micro.

Macro-narratives are the big stories, the information announced from the pulpit, the stories that get told in the interview process, which generally originate with church leadership.

Micro-narratives tell the story of how things really are, and they come in bits and pieces. They reflect the experience of members and only come from one-on-one interactions with people. They are the things people communicate to one another behind the scenes, what members really believe but are reluctant to share without a sense of relationship trust. Taking the time to listen and collect micro-narratives is the best way to understand culture.

Put simply, it is perilous to chart a voyage when you don’t even know the state of the ship. So, take time to listen for the real stories of the congregation, the way members truly feel.

I remember when I first became a member of our local school board, the board chairman compared school news to the layers of an onion. He said by way of advice, “What you read in the newspaper is only the first layer. The real story is three or four layers deep.” I learned to serve with that understanding as a board member and church leader as well. I came to understand that there is the upfront story that everyone hears and sees, but underneath, in consecutive layers, is the true story of the congregation.

3. Take time to learn the rhythms and patterns of the place and community where you now live.

Walk the streets. Ask questions. Visit the schools. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who spent considerable time sensing the needs of the people.

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:35-36).

Since our fundamental aim and purpose as Christ followers is to seek and save the lost, we must take time to know the towns, villages and synagogues of our local context. Alan Hirsch suggests that we ask the following questions within our communities to know where to target ministry: Power: Who are the powerful? Who are the powerless and why?

Pennies (economy): Who are the rich?

Who are the poor?

Pain: Where is the pain in the neighborhood? What does the Gospel have to say about that?

Parties: Where are the celebration? How can we affirm and join in?

Persons of Peace: Who are the

gatekeepers of the community and how can I serve them? (Forgotten Ways, 152).

Lastly, I would suggest that it’s not your plan that needs to be implemented, it is the congregation’s.

Build with your people.

Serve with them.

Seek their guidance.

Make plans together and take the time to grow as a ministry team.

Leave it Better than You Found It

by Craig Evans, mcraigevans@yahoo.com

I love being outdoors. When I see a sunrise or sunset, a beautiful lake filled with big bass, a soy bean field filled with white-tailed deer, a snowcovered mountain, or a stream I see God and think of His power and love. Many Bible writers share the same thought. The Psalmist tells us “The heavens declare the Glory of God” (Psalm 19). Paul tells us in Romans 1 that God is so evident in creation that those who do not believe are without excuse. And Job tells us in Job 12:7-10 "But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” When I traveled to New Zealand for a mission trip I stood on a white sand beach watching the ocean crash onto the shore, and looked behind me to the Mount Taranaki covered in snow, and then looked another direction and viewed high green hills covered with sheep - I cried out in song “How Great Thou Art.” As beautiful as God’s creation is there are some who do not appreciate it, and they show that lack of appreciation with litter. I cannot begin to count the times I have gone fishing, hunting or hiking and see paper, empty cans, and bottles on the shore and trail. It helps me to understand the tears of Bill Iron Eyes Cody from the commercial as he saw all the pollution. A few weeks ago I took a young man

fishing there were cans littering the banks of the lake and I told the young man it is our responsibility to leave this place better than we found it. He jumped out of the truck and picked up the empty aluminum cans. I was trying to teach this young sportsman a life lesson, and I left feeling good about teaching this lesson. The next week was different. I drove to my favorite fishing spot and someone had left two cases of beer cans, food containers, plastic bottles, and empty fishing lure packages all around the lake. I was so mad that someone would do this and frustrated that I had to take time away from fishing to clean up their mess. Out of thankfulness to the landowner, and not wanting to be a hypocrite I picked up enough trash to fill up a full-size garbage bag and prayed I didn’t get pulled over on the way home and that no one saw all the empty beer cans in the back of my truck before I could throw them away. I was determined to leave this place better than I found it.

If we should leave God’s earth better than we found it, how much more should it be true about the bride of Christ, the church. Each time we go to a congregation to serve as a minister we must realize there was someone there before us, and there will be someone after us. As Jerrie Barber says: “We are all interim ministers.” How do we as ministers “leave the congregation better than we found it?”

This can be a real struggle based on the circumstances in which we leave the church. We must remember any time a preacher leaves it will impact the members of the church. Each time a preacher leaves I believe it is like a divorce: if you are fired then the Elders or men of the congregation divorced you, and If you choose to leave to go to another congregation, well, you divorced them. And all divorces lead to confusion. There are those in the congregation who will be glad you are leaving while others will be heartbroken. You will have developed strong relationships with people, brought some to Christ, and, hopefully, strengthened everyone’s faith. This transition is vital to faith of some and the overall health of the church. During this time, there are few things I want us to consider that we can do to help the church to be successful after we leave and that we can do to be an encouragement to the members of the church.

It all starts with a great love for God and his church. We must love God and his church more than ourselves. The church is from the mind and heart of God and is His plan for each Christian to be in community with other Christians. The love for God and His church must be greater than the love we have for ourselves. Just as we are to be good stewards of God’s created earth must also be good stewards of His Church.

We can pray often for the church and for our attitude.

We can be gracious. Regardless of the reasons we are leaving, and how hurt we may be, we can be thankful the congregation chose us to labor there. We can thank the church for the opportunity to be a part of the church family and for their kindness.

We can guard against a heart of bitterness. This may be difficult based on how we and our family may be treated. If we refuse to get caught up in the negativity, and not listen to gossip and backbiting, and try to calm it down rather than flame the fire it will bless us and the church. After leaving a congregation when people call to complain about the new guy, we must lovingly stop that conversation and take it a different direction.

We can guard against a heart of arrogance. Pride can keep us from wanting what is best for the kingdom of God and His church. If we were successful at a congregation, we must remember it is God who gives the increase, and the work that is done through a congregation is not done because we are so good and talented, but of God working through us and at times despite us.

We can pursue peace. Paul tells us “As far as it depends on you, be at peace with everyone� (Romans 12:18). Try not to leave with unfinished business. Go about seeking forgiveness and granting forgiveness. I think Paul tells us the best way to do this is to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving of one another (Ephesians 4:32).

We can encourage the faith of the congregation. Personal notes and visits can do much good. When I left a youth ministry position to become a preaching minister, I wrote each of the youth group members and encouraged their faith in God, and encouraged them to trust the Shepherds in their hiring the next youth minister and to be prayerful.

We can preach Jesus. If we have the opportunity to continue teaching and preaching after the congregation has decided it is time for us to leave, or we have decided to change congregations we can tell people of the greatness of God, His great love for us, the beauty of His church, and the joy of living as His child.

As we serve God in each congregation let us always have the goal to leave it better than we found it.

Mistakes in Arriving

by Joe Wells, jwells2008@gmail.com

The excitement is high as the elders have carefully and prayerfully found their way through the jungle of resumes and sermon submissions, deciding you were the right man to become their next preacher. The members, at least you hope the majority, agree you were the right hire and have been expressing how grateful they are your family is there. You’ve decided the town is right, the schools are right, and this is the right place for your family to grow and flourish.

With so much being right why would we think to discuss potential mistakes preachers make when we begin a new work? The answer is simply so that the “hand-splat” on our foreheads are not found to be in vain. In other words, allow the mistakes some have made serve as a help to you, so that you are aware and alert, striving not to repeat the same mistakes in your new beginning.

Mistake #1: Don’t talk negatively about the last preacher, no matter what.

One day, you may follow a man who was pictured on the evening news and received a ride to the county jail at the taxpayers’ expense; however, most likely, you will follow a man who was liked by at least one person in the congregation and didn’t endure such humiliation. He may have been there for a number of years or for a short period of time. No matter his story, you would be wise to remember, there will be those who were endeared to him because he was there for them during some of the greatest moments in their lives such as marriages, births, and children hitting home-runs. He also ministered to them during some of the most difficult experiences they have ever faced: death, divorce, and any number of difficulties we find in congregations. If you get wrapped-up in a conversation where the “old-preacher” is the subject of negative talk, you will damage your reputation and your ministry in that congregation will suffer. Remember, you may never know the full story as to why he left or was fired. Give him the benefit of the doubt and don’t get involved in preacher bashing.

Mistake #2: Do not move too fast on implementing new programs and ideas.

Let’s get this out of the way: this is not the point about change agents and introducing practices that contradict the Scriptures. There. Now to the real point.

When you were hired, the discussion was all about what you were going to bring to the table and how you were going to do wonderful things. It’s almost like the old “spaghetti-westerns” where the town is suffering at the hand of the “bad-guys” in the black cowboy hats and you’re the “good-guy” in the white cowboy hat riding into town to fix everything. With a high bar set for both hopes and expectations, preachers run the risk of believing they have all the answers for what’s wrong within the congregation. Spend time listening to and learning from the congregation before you rush in and introduce the “fix” to their problems. While you may be correct in some of your assessments, you would be wise to remember that every program, mission trip, education concept, and even decoration idea was the put in place because the leadership, at one time, thought it was a good idea.

With the sweat, time, and often money of the members, these ideas you feel need to find their way to the nearest exit, are loved and cherished by some in the congregation. Your ideas are exciting because of what you’ve seen work in other congregations. This new congregation has a different culture and different members. What worked well at one place, may not work the same way at your new work. Be sensitive with your new ideas. Move with the leadership to figure out the best way to go about implementing the beneficial changes. Even if all the ideas you have are solid in truth and bound to be good for the congregation, too much change in a short period of time could backfire.

Mistake #3: Don’t take advantage of your “honeymoon” period.

During the first months of your new work, there is a lot of observing that takes place. You are observing and learning about your new eldership. You may begin to see who the influential members and are trying to figure out what it looks like to work in your new congregation Monday thru Friday. Just as you are in the observing mode, so are your new elders, deacons, secretary, and the members. They want to know about your work ethic, accessibility, visiting habits, hospital mannerisms, and even your involvement in the lives of the members outside of Sundays and Wednesdays. They assume you will bring your “A-game” on Sunday and Wednesday, but what about the other days of the week? Because you are new, they will most likely extend much lenience and grace. This is called your “honeymoon” period. Don’t take advantage of this period in your ministry. Remember, even though the congregation is understanding of the newness, they are also observing and learning about you. If you set out on the “right foot” from the beginning, you

will gain the trust and confidence of the leadership and members. This will be a blessing to you as you minister at this location over the years.

So…embrace the great excitement of your new work. Enjoy having people over to your house. Say “Yes” more than you say “No” to opportunities to eat out with people, even if the restaurant is not your favorite. They will stop asking if you turn them away enough. You will make mistakes. We all have. Seek resolution as quickly as possible. Have a towel handy to wipe the egg off your face if need be. Be quick to both ask for and offer forgiveness. Above all, remember that God loves you and your service to Him is the greatest work you could be doing. Learn from your mistakes and get back up. The work must continue.

From The Institute…

Order NOW at:

http://www.thejenkinsinstitute.com/shop/

TJI: Let go, allowed to resign, given time to find a new place, dismissed, released -they may sound pretty but in our heart when a minister hears those words, he hears one word: FIRED. Our dad said that every preacher is fired at least once in his preaching life. Jerrie Barber says that anytime a preacher leaves someone is fired - either the congregation fires the preacher or the preacher fires the congregation. In an ON exclusive “round table” we had a serious heart to heart with some brothers who were willing to open their hearts on how they handled it when they were fired. It’s an honest and difficult discussion and we are deeply appreciative of their willingness to be a part of this and hope this may be of help to other ministers who are or will face this. We’ve changed the names to avoid any deeper hurt for them or the places they left - but here is this month’s ON: Interviews.

TJI: Our experience is that rarely do guys who are dismissed know its coming till it happens. So, did you see it coming?

Mark: Not really Tim: I never saw it coming. The relationship had been very good.

Jay: Yes. We had several meetings that gave me an indication that we would part ways soon.

Bob: For me, not at all. I went in to an elders meeting thinking things were getting better and, boom.

Justin: Yes. I entered a church already involved in an internal power struggle.

Unfortunately, we never felt safe or supported. There was no sense of teamwork and communications were about people and rarely to people. I felt helpless to bring about a better environment without the support of the leaders.

Will: It was a bit of a surprise. My wife and I had come to the conclusion that that particular congregation was not going to be a long-term ministry, and that we needed to begin planning to make a change. However, unbeknownst to me, the elders had already been making plans to make a change.

TJI: What was your immediate reaction?

Will: Angry. Not so much that it happened (Okay, I was angry that it happened), but I was really angry at how it happened. As I said, my wife and I had already realized a change needed to be made. But, there seemed to be some underhanded goings on among the elders and among the ministry staff. Not once, to that point, had the elders discussed the possibility of a change or any changes in my ministry there. Two elders were particularly heavy handed in handling the "“resignation request."�

Almost as if they were enjoying it.

Mark: Going from 12 years of ministry to being told they did not need a minister at all was quiet shocking!

Tim: Actually, my immediate reaction was much more calm than I may have expected even for myself. Having some other income was certainly very helpful.

Jay: Disappointed but not shock.

Justin: I was sad, but also relieved. The timing of my separation couldn’t have come at a worse time for finding another job.

Bob: I was crushed, in shock for about 24 hours and then I got angry and finally wanted to beg them to change their minds. I felt guilt, remorse, confusion. I think I experienced every stage of grief in about a week.

TJI: Once the dust settles then we have to figure out how and or if to go forward. How did you handle it emotionally?

Tim: I went into many moments of intense prayer. I also stayed busy speaking with some preacher friends and investigating options.

Bob: I think I already crushed that question.

Mark: After the shock we re grouped and began thinking about options-it was very tough on my wife!

Jay: I was bitter and angry for a few months, but I was more stressed about my next ministry opportunity.

Justin: I had already been emotionally abused there, so I was beaten down, quiet but not wanting to go against the elders wishes. I didn’t feel any real compassion from the elders.

Will: I think fairly well, but others may tell you differently. I did get pretty low at one point. I even contemplated just quitting. After a few weeks, and getting fully involved in looking for a new work, I got to the point that I just wanted to move on. I even got tired of talking about it.

TJI: It’s one thing for us to be hurt but most often the deepest hurt is watching our wife and kids struggle with this. While we may or may not have been effective or what the church wanted or leadership believed they needed, it’s our family that has to uproot from schools, friends, church family who sometimes ends up with the most lasting wounds. So, how did you help your family deal with it?

Will: They may have handled it better than I did. My wife was a great support, although I knew that it hurt her and the kids as well. I assured them that everything was going to be all right. “I have not seen the

righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (Psalm 37:25) became a favorite verse of mine. God had always taken care of us before. I believed He would then.

Jay: I encouraged them not to “go to bat” for me. Let me be the one who speaks to the elders and other church members.

Bob: Really it wasn’t that hard. They knew I wasn’t happy and I had allowed it to affect our home. I felt really guilty about that until my son said that they were unhappy too and looked forward to a new start.

Justin: We pray and read the Bible and stay positive about who we will be around in the future. I’ve said I would not worry during this transition and I want others to see our faith in God through all of this.

Tim: My wife had dealt with this already in her family as a 17 year old. This was a tremendous help to me, along with her great faith as a great inspiration.

Our children were really too young to fully grasp things.

Mark: My kids were grown-one was closer to the situation than the otherthey were very sad about it.

TJII: We’ve all heard the horror stories of some preachers being mistreated but (not often) sometimes we hear of a preacher “lighting up the church” when he was dismissed. I suppose if we are honest there are times we all would do best to bite our tongues. How did you help the other church members who were not happy with the decision?

Mark: I just wanted to make sure that they did not leave because they were mad. They needed to stay as long as they could and hope things would get better.

Jay: My feelings were similar. I told them that it was okay to be upset, but splitting the church would not help me or the church.

Tim: This was an immediate issue for me, as I was “bombarded” with many people upset and speaking about leaving the church. First, I made sure I showed no personal animosity toward the elders or anyone in the congregation.

Secondly, where possible, I gave little “sermonettes” to friends there about our responsibility to harmony in the congregation.

Justin: We had many supporters and we love everyone there very much, including the ones who never came to us personally but were against us behind our backs. We stayed positive and told others to focus on Jesus and do what He would be proud for us to do. I encouraged them to hold everything against the Bible as the standard and to be sure to accept the next minister.

Will: I tried as much as I could to calmly reason with them, and talk through some of their issues. I was able to convince one who wanted to start another congregation that that was not the answer. I urged those who said they wanted to leave not to do so on my account. They should only do so if they felt it was the only way to worship and serve the Lord effectively. I also explained to them that the elders were completely within their rights and authority to do what they did even if I or they didn’t like it.

TJI: What was the smartest things you did?

Jay: I didn’t encourage any members to follow me or leave the congregation.

Will: Being around other preachers. I received a great deal of encouragement from my preaching brethren. I had already paid to attend a BETTER conference, and being there helped. I reached out to other preachers who had gone through the same thing. One told me he had been fired twice, which shocked me. He is a great preacher with a name most of your readers would know. I thought, if he could be fired, it really could happen to anyone.

Bob: When I got home I began immediately to look for a new work. I had 3+ months but time flies.

Mark: We prayed, a lot, and took our time making decisions-did not want to talk disparagingly to the leadership-they had the right to make the decision they did, whether I agreed with it or not.

Justin: Left as soon as I could so their power struggle could continue without us in the mix. People were asking how to remove elders and I wanted no part of

that. I needed the time away so I could become healthy again and ready for a new work.

Tim: I think the smartest thing I may have done was to be careful with my chosen counsel. Next would be to be careful with my communication.

TJI: What was the dumbest thing you did?

Jay: I took it as a personal rejection instead of a professional rejection.

Justin: It’s a tie: I bought a house as soon as we arrived (TJI recommends you wait about a year before buying so you can get a feel for if it is going to be a good work and so you can take your time finding a house). And, I was naive, I trusted elders who refused to sign their names to agreements.

Will: To not recognize the situation sooner. I knew it was a bad situation about a month in. I simply stayed too long.

Mark: Hmmm, I hope nothing.

Bob: You don’t have that much space.

TJI: What has been the relationship, if any, since?

Jay: I see the elders here and there, and we are cordial.

Justin: Excellent relationship with the members. We see them often. Very few encounters with the elders. We have forgiven the past offenses and moved on.

Elders were very distant/cold during the severance period and refused to hold to some portions of the separation agreement, inflicting more pain to us.

Will: There really hasn't been one. Occasionally, I will run into members and it is always cordial. There has been little or no contact with any of the leadership.

Tim: The relationship has been growing steadily again. I still have many friends there including the current and former elders. I have been invited to speak there again three or four times since.

Mark: One of the elders apologized and said he only went along with the others to allow me to find something better TJI: Do you feel the elders were fair with you?

Jay: They accommodated my need to be gone looking for other positions.

Tim: The word “fair” may be difficult to determine other than to say both yes and no. I felt, both then and now, it would be “no” for the decision, but certainly a “yes” in terms of how it was handled for our family after the fact in kindness and various support including recommendations.

Justin: No. Instead of working out a 3 month period while quietly looking for a job, they wanted to announce my firing immediately which put me in a bad situation. Their reason was that they didn’t believe they could keep it secret that long.

Will: Financially, yes. And, I have been told that they gave glowing recommendations to congregations that contacted them. However, the manner in which they brought about the situation was less than fair, in my judgment.

TJI: Do you feel the elders shared the information with the church well?

Mark: Well, it caused a big blow up that very evening, so no, it doesn’t appear they did. It was very intense.

Jay: Ouch. For me, yes. We both wrote statements which were approved by one another beforehand.

Justin: Not really. They did not present the situation fairly and as several members told me they, “threw me under the bus.” Afterwards we were told that some untrue stories were told about me that the members knew were not true.

Bob: They didn’t let me back in the pulpit. I understand their fear that someone might misinterpret something but I’d like to have been able to say “goodbye” and a public thank you to the church.

Will: No, I’ve been told that the elders pretty much stonewalled any questions from the members. That is unfortunate.

TJI: What was the best advice you got from anyone after you were fired?

Tim: The best advice I received was to keep your good name and honor our God with my personal response.

Mark: “Keep your head up and keep your eyes on who is in charge: If you decide to go back, and it affects your family or yourself, it is not worth it … you must leave!”

Justin: Spend your time to grieve and ask God to help you put it behind you quickly. Learn from this and know that many notable preachers have been asked to leave as well. Know that you can’t fix other people or churches. You can only lead them to what God says should be done. They have to make the decision to change. It can’t be forced.

Bob: Somebody told me to treat them so nice and work so well at the end that they will later regret the decision they made to release me.

Will: Don’t give up. God has a place for each of us. Often your next work will be your best work, and it has been.

Jay: Don’t let this define your life.

TJI: What is the best advice you would give another minister who has been allowed to resign?

Tim: I would remind others in the situation that our loving God already knows, cares, and continues to work in the lives of those that love Him and continue to be called to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Jay: One billion Chinese people don’t think of you any differently today than they did last week. You’ll find another place who will think you’re grand.

Will: If there is a problem in the congregation or leadership, don’t add to it.

If you are the problem, graciously get out of their way. Causing division,

though you may feel justified, is never the answer. Remember, as Jesus was crucified, He showed grace. "Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” You are not Jesus, but you probably feel like you've been crucified. Still — show some grace!

Mark: Look at what you can do better next time. DO NOT BURN YOUR BRIDGES-IT WILL COME BACK TO BITE YOU! Justin: Pray often. Read your Bible. Find someone to encourage. Stay in touch with other ministers and encouraging brethren. Leave as quickly as you can.

Your time to help there has passed.

TJI: How did you avoid bitterness and/or overcome it?

Jay: Surrounded myself with people who highlighted my strengths as a minister.

Justin: Finding others to encourage or help in some way. Also, reading passages about God’s people who experienced setbacks. Allowing others to see my hurt and to do or say something to help me to heal.

Bob: I did not want myself to be bitter. I know it is wrong and why it is wrong so I fought it with my heart and thoughts. But really, time, prayer and the love of my family got me through it.

Will: I guess, just kept my head in the game. I gave myself some time to process, but when I got back to preaching and interacting with others is when the sting really began to go away. It has also helped over time that when I encounter others who are going through it, that I have a perspective that can really understand where they are and help them.

Mark: I prayed like never before and had numerous people praying for us!

Tim: Two things help here: First, I was raised to remember that it is possible for someone to take an action thought best at first and recognized as not later.

Also, our own High Priest was tested just like we are, “yet without sin.” That was my goal.

TJI: What did you learn from the experience that made you a better preacher?

Will: When I moved to my new work, I had a friend who was familiar with the congregation who told me, “This church needs someone to come in and love them.” I have told people since that that was the best single piece of advice I had ever received in local work. I have preached for churches that have been hurt by division, scandal, whatever; I can now better empathize with them. I have hurt. They have hurt. We can rebuild together.

Tim: I probably only have more “ethos” with many in the pews by having a shared or similar struggle in my own experience. It allows me to identify when counseling, and potentially select wisely for topical lessons from time to time in seeking to be practical with the Word and their life.

Mark: I’m much more tolerant of preachers who struggle and also realize the immense efforts elders have to go through.

Tentmakers: For the Love of it…

Coming May 2017