How Should I Serve My Church after I Stop Being Its Senior Pastor?

The year 2024 marks my 35th year as the senior pastor of the same church. I’m about to turn 64. After I step away, how should I be involved in my church?

I’m faced with lots of options: leaving completely, remaining as a staff pastor with a different role, and everything in between. I don’t know what my future will look like, but I do know a few truths that will inform my answer.

1. The Local Church Is Bought by Jesus

It may feel like my church, my flock, my people, my family—and in some ways it is. But ultimately, this local church does not belong to me. It belongs to Jesus, and I am seeking to keep it true to its purpose during my stint at the helm. Therefore, my job is to be faithful to the Chief Shepherd, not to influence the life of the church around “my ministerial career.” A friend of mine asked if I had given any thought to what my last expositional series would be. I think that is the wrong way to look at it. The last series of sermons I preach should be the next series the congregation needs to look more like Christ.

Meanwhile, I need to refrain from reminding people how long I’ve been here, or nostalgic references that draw undue focus to me. The church will be fine without me. It belongs to Jesus.

2. My Membership in the Church Is Directly Related to My Union in Christ

In my heart of hearts, I am a follower of Christ. I am a member of his church because I am in him. This means that I see myself fundamentally as one part of this congregation. I am not a member here because this is my job. My role in the church is grounded in my membership in the church. I need to look at my role now and the inevitable transition through the lens of what is best for the body to which I’ve been united.

3. The Needs of My Church Will Determine What Role I Take

When I step away from this role, the church will have needs that may be different than what they are today. I need to ask the question every member should ask. What does my church need and how can I help meet that need?

The elders may determine I should stay formally engaged on the elder board to give confidence to the congregation about the change. They may determine I should attend another church for a while to give the change time to happen outside of my shadow and to build the congregation’s trust. They may want me to serve other churches in some capacity. We may need another guy on the grass-cutting crew, or greeting, or singing bass in the choir. This next season will give me an opportunity to be an example of a faithful member who serves because he loves Jesus, not because he gets paid.

So . . . how should I be planning on what my future will look like?

I need to pray for a humble heart that honestly desires affection and attention to Christ.

I need to remind the congregation that the day will come when I will not be in this role. I want the topic on the table so the congregation knows I am comfortable with it and so they can be comfortable with it.

I need to help the elders lead the congregation in what the transition process will look like.

I need to lead the congregation to pray for the next brother and the elders as they map out a transition plan.

I need to share the pulpit, and not just when I am out of town. The congregation needs to see me hearing other brothers preach and loving it.

I need to be ready to support and encourage the brother who takes my place. While people are kind and gracious, the truth is, every leader quickly becomes “ole’ what’s his name.” I need to deal with that in my heart now and prepare to be the next brother’s biggest prayer supporter.

I need to enjoy God’s grace every day and realize that, as I step away from this role, I can savor these new opportunities.