Perhaps the first question we face in considering this theme is: How long is long? Spurgeon preached for thirty-five years in London. Today some modern clergymen stay only a year or two in a charge. Among Adventist ministers we find that often a "long" pastorate runs from five to seven years. At least for the sake of discussion let us take that period of time as a mean in this consideration.
The Problem of the Minister and the Congregation
The accepting of a call creates a crisis in the life of a minister. Suddenly he has to take final inventory. Has his ministry to his congregation in this city been successful? Wherein has he failed? Did he accomplish what he set out to do?
He has developed a close fellowship with his people from the cradle to the grave. He has rejoiced with the happy parents of the newborn babes and he has sorrowed with the loved ones as he has officiated in the last service for those tried and true. With each passing day his sojourn has endeared him to the hearts of the people he has grown to love.
Also he has been looking forward with passive anticipation toward that day when the call would come. That the spirit of adventure lurks in the shadows of his heart is a statement of true honesty. And now—it is here. What mingled feelings!
Immediately there are perplexed emotions in the hearts of the parishioners. One says, "He just came." Another, "The church won't prosper without him." And still another, "We just can't give him up!" Yes, there will be genuine sadness in the hearts of many because they have learned to love their pastor. He is a man of God. He helped strengthen them in the way. He upheld the standards of the church and uplifted Christ at all times. But on the other hand -his moving along will bring relief for a few. They have just tolerated him for a season.
But we must be most charitable toward these children who have not been fully clothed with the love and power of Christ. Somehow they have failed to know Him, and so we pray for them the more.
Now speculation and concern arises over the new pastor. Often the understanding member rationally reasons, "Our minister is leaving; another is coming. What will he be like? Will he have the attributes and characteristics of our present pastor? How will he be different? We surely hope he is as good as our pastor and that he will lead the church forward. Yes, we believe that he will, that God is sending another leader to build us up in the faith."
And so the congregation begin to adjust themselves for the change. They wish their departing pastor God's richest blessings and begin praying for their new pastor that he will be God's man to lead them in God's ways. How charitable are the children of God toward His ministers!
The Retiring Pastor
If he is going to another pastorate in another area less problems arise. Some of the good members who love him dearly because he brought them the truth will find the transition more difficult. Yes, they will write. This seems to make the hurt less painful.
But if the pastor is retiring and living in the community, that is another problem. It takes a lot of grace to sit by and support and encourage the people to follow their leader. If he is still in good health, it is well to turn his talents and interests to other churches and activities nearby. This gives his successor full opportunity to build his work without the checking and retarding influence of his retired predecessor. The members can more readily adjust their loyalties to the new pastor with less comparison.
Love covereth a multitude of things. It is well to find out all the good points about your successor. Tell the congregation everything kind and helpful about their new pastor before you leave. Considerate comments coming from you will make a lasting impression. It is good public relations; it is good Christianity. It is also well to pray publicly for your successor and for his leadership among these people you will soon leave. Your solicitation of love and support in his behalf helps to bridge the gap and pays big dividends in Christian fellowship and unity for the cause we love.
Attitude Toward Your Predecessor
Speak well of your predecessor. Build on his good foundation. Overlook his faults and dwell on his strong points. His most faithful supporters will become your best workers. Encourage the confidence of the members in their former pastor whom they love and in turn they will learn to love you and transfer their loyalties to you.
Always speak well of your predecessor in any dealings with people of the community in all its phases and activities. As ministering brethren we should always present a united front of loyalty to our people and our fellow ministers.
It is not best to dwell on the success or activities of your former pastorate. Some will shrug their shoulders and say, "So what!" Others will perhaps utter, "Who is he trying to impress?" In other words; this attitude does not wear well.
Love the people you now serve. You should always speak well of your predecessor. By God's grace apply the best principles of success from your former pastorate to your new charge. Of course you will have to adapt to all new situations. Work harder than ever to glorify God and to lead your people to see Him, and the Spirit of Christ will crown your endeavors with true success.
Though the transferring of loyalties is difficult for minister and members alike—God's grace gives the evangel of the everlasting gospel the good sense, good taste, wisdom, and grace to move forward at the time of transfer. Above all, there is the guiding light of anticipation that leads us on toward that supreme moment of triumph when the Day-star shall arise and lead His children home.
Our earnest prayer is that the people we leave, whom we have loved and served, shall be saved in His glorious kingdom, and also that those whom we now are learning to love in our new pastorate and to whom we shall minister in Christ's stead will stand with us triumphantly on the sea of glass.
With the apostle Paul we say, "Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith. . . . Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen" (Eph. 6:23, 24).
