5 Ways to Deal with Leadership Change in a Church
Churches go through difficulty and struggles when there is a pastoral change in leadership. The way of getting through these times is staying true to the principles of truth. Here are five things that a church in transition needs to remember.
1. A sense of hope and vision for the future. A clear word from God- the Bible is our guidebook and it gives us direction when we are feeling lost. When there is a change in leadership, it can be easy to question what we are doing and where we are going but if we stay focused on God's word, we will be reminded of the hope and vision He has for us.
Often churches rely on the pastor to receive and to convey the vision for the future of the church. They wrongly hang their future on that pastor and his direction for them. When the pastor leaves this leaves the church members confused to where to go next. This is a huge mistake. While the pastor is an important voice in the life of the church, he is not the only voice and he is not the final word. The church needs inspiration and hope for the future that comes straight from God.
If the vision of the church has been properly obtained, directly from God, then the vision and mission do not change. The location of the church does not change, the purpose, and reaching the lost does not change anything. Only the leadership changes.
2. A willingness to let go of the past. It is easy to dwell on the negative things that have happened in the past but if we want to move forward, we need to be willing to let go. This doesn't mean forgetting what has happened, but it does mean forgiving and moving on. A focus on the present. It can be easy to get caught up in what might happen in the future or what has already happened in the past but if we want to be successful, we need to focus on the present. This means living in the moment and being present with those around us.
The reason one pastor leaves and the reason one comes in, should not be the determining factor for what your churches purpose is for. The church should be operating from core beliefs and a core purpose that does not change with each pastor.
3. A focus on mission and ministry, not just buildings and programs. A church is not defined by its buildings or programs but by its mission and ministry. When there is a change in leadership, it can be easy to question whether or not our mission and ministry are still relevant but if we stay focused on what God has called us to do, we will be reminded of why we exist and what we are supposed to be doing.
There are still people all around your church and in the community that do not know Christ as their Lord and Savior that need to know Him. Any change in leadership does not negate any of this responsibility. Christ is the one that gave us this Great Commission to go out into the world and make Christlike disciples of all the nations. (Matthew 28:16-20).
This is the mission that we are called to and this is what should be our focus, not just buildings, programs, or even personnel.
4. A willingness to change. Change can be difficult but it is sometimes necessary. When there is a change in leadership, it can be easy to resist change but if we are open to it, we may find that it is exactly what we need. A willingness to embrace change will remove obstacles. Sometimes a change in leadership is necessary for the church to be able to move forward in their mission. Not very many people have all the capabilities and knowledge to move a church in the direction that a church needs to go.
There are times that a leader may have taken a church as far as they are capable as their skillset has allowed them and it is time for another to step in and to lead them further in the journey. Moses took the Israelites as far as he could when God picked Joshua to continue on with them. (Exodus 17:8-13).
5. A commitment to prayer and dependence on God's leading. Prayer is essential during times of transition. It is a time to seek God's wisdom and guidance. We need to be prayerful for those who are leading us and for ourselves as we follow their lead. As we pray, we need to be open to whatever God might be calling us to do.
We must possess a dependence on God. Ultimately, our dependence should be on God and not on any human leader. When we depend on God, we can trust that He will lead us through any change and He will provide everything we need. No matter what the change in leadership looks like in your church.
These are five things that a church in transition needs. If we can focus on these things, we will be able to weather any storm that comes our way. Churches need to adapt during difficult times by focusing on God's word and direction while also being willing to let go of the past, change, and embrace new mission and ministry opportunities. What other things do you think a church in transition needs? Let us know in the comments below.
