How much notice should a resigning pastor give his church?

North

North

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While away for the weekend, I visited a very small Baptist church that had just finished building their new building, and are in debt.

After the service they had a business meeting and the pastor gave his resignation to the church saying next week was his last week.

By the reaction of the members, they did not know this in advance.

Was this irresponsible?

How long is an appropriate notice for a pastor to give his resignation?
 
I've had 2 pastors resigned growing up and I believe a week notice was given....its heart breaking to go through this.. and to leave a church in debt not good
 
That's too little notice, I too agree that leaving a church in debt is not good. In can be difficult to know if a pastor has another call, until he's actually voted in as pastor. Still though, as much notice as possible should be given. I would say that if a pastor is actively interviewing with the intention of leaving, he should let the church know.
 
Depends on why the pastor is leaving. A month might be not sufficient, a day might be necessary.
 
It would depend on the specifics of the situation.
When we have faced changes among our Pastors in the past, I have found that 'lame duck' periods aren't profitable for anyone.
 
Tarheel Baptist said:
It would depend on the specifics of the situation.
When we have faced changes among our Pastors in the past, I have found that 'lame duck' periods aren't profitable for anyone.
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I guess maybe Schaap didn't give enough time either...

(Not directed at you, just piggybacking your comment. :))
 
North said:
Was this irresponsible?
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Of course it's irresponsible. The purpose of giving suitable notice is to allow your employer sufficient time to plan for your exit, and smooth the transition to your successor, if that is possible.

How long is an appropriate notice for a pastor to give his resignation?
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Our previous senior pastor gave about two months. That seemed short to me, but then again, he was there for 15 years!  Also, the elders were notified before he went public.

What is appropriate is sufficient time for the church leaders that are left to plan for his absence - lining up guest speakers, organinzing a pulpit search committee, and so forth.
 
If he plans for his son to take over, which happens so often, then no notice is needed.

When did it become common practice for the son to become the next pastor.

I can name 20 churches where this has happened & many more were it split churches.

Is this practice limited to fundamental baptist or common practice in all churches.
 
Concerning a pastors resignation or unexpected death, what should happen next.

After a church has prayed and fasted for a time & truly sought his will and direction, How should the next pastor be chosen.

What are some of the steps that should take place and what are some the most important procedures that should be followed. 

What should a pastor do to prepare his church for the day when he will no longer lead them.
 
sword said:
Concerning a pastors resignation or unexpected death, what should happen next.
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The other pastors should step up and fill the void.

[quote author=sword]After a church has prayed and fasted for a time & truly sought his will and direction, How should the next pastor be chosen.[/quote]

Personally, I favor the unanimous approval of the elders, with input from the congregation. I don't think there is necessary a "right" way to do it, but there is definitely a wrong way to do it.

[quote author=sword]What are some of the steps that should take place and what are some the most important procedures that should be followed.  [/quote]

Openness. Transparency. Integrity.

[quote author=sword]What should a pastor do to prepare his church for the day when he will no longer lead them.[/quote]

A pastor should always be doing this.
 

Concerning a pastors resignation or unexpected death, what should happen next.

After a church has prayed and fasted for a time & truly sought his will and direction, How should the next pastor be chosen.

What are some of the steps that should take place and what are some the most important procedures that should be followed.

What should a pastor do to prepare his church for the day when he will no longer lead them.

Any other views out there.

I am very interested in you views
 
How much notice should a church member give before leaving a church?
 
Our church has a replacement pastor position. It comes with no responsibility or authority. The guy holding the position would be the one who fills the pastorate if it ever becomes vacant. We vote on who holds that position annually. It works for us.

Regarding giving notice, it is not set in stone. It is very circumstantial. The pastor's health could force him to give only a months notice etc.

This pastor I spoke about when I introduced this thread said he was retiring which confused me on his decision for giving such a short notice.
 
wtyson said:
How much notice should a church member give before leaving a church?
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Lol it is "shopping season" right now. By the end of September you will know who you have left.  ;D
 
wtyson said:
How much notice should a church member give before leaving a church?
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Depends on the member...some don't give the notice soon enough.... :D
 
Tarheel Baptist said:
wtyson said:
How much notice should a church member give before leaving a church?
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Depends on the member...some don't give the notice soon enough.... :D
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Zing!
 
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