Ten Commandments for Pastors Leaving a Congregation

by Farris, Lawrence W.

• ISBN13: 9780802829245
• ISBN10: 0802829244
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-07-15
• Publisher: Eerdmans Pub Co

Summary

Pastoral transitions can be fraught with pitfalls, yet there is advice that can help ministers and congregations avoid those dangers. Lawrence Farris, a veteran of three departures himself, gives ten wise, thoughtful commandments for shepherds leaving their sheep. Far from outright, heavy-handed dictums, these commandments are more gospel than law, laying out helpful strategies in areas such 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 it clear that this wise book and its message is needed by 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 guidance for pastors and parishioners facing this hopeful and challenging transition.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	xi
I. Thou Shalt Know When It Is Time to Go	1	(16)
II. Thou Shalt Explain Thyself	17	(10)
III. Thou Shalt Not Steal Away	27	(8)
IV. Thou Shalt Affirm Thy Congregation's Ministry	35	(8)
V. Thou Shalt Try to Mend Fences	43	(10)
VI. Thou Shalt Help Thy Successor Have a Good Beginning	53	(6)
VII. Thou Shalt Be Gentle with Thyself	59	(6)
VIII. Thou Shalt Attend to Thy Family	65	(8)
IX. Thou Shalt (Usually) Stay Away Once Thou Hast Left	73	(8)
X. Thou Shalt Grieve	81	(8)
Afterword: The Eleventh Commandment	89