Podcast Episode #027

For more than two decades I have studied, contemplated, and written about the tenure of a pastor. Why is pastoral tenure relatively brief on the average? Does that tenure contain common and distinct stages? Is there a particular point in the tenure when more pastors leave the church?

The more I study the phenomenon of pastoral tenure, the more I am convinced there are distinct stages with clear characteristics. Certainly I understand that there are numbers of exceptions to my delineations. I am also fully aware that the years I designate for each stage are not precise.

* Year One: The Honeymoon

* Years Two and Three: Conflicts and Challenges

* Years Four and Five: Crossroads (part one)

* Years Six through Ten: Fruit and Harvest

* Year 11 and Beyond: Crossroads (part two)

In this episode we address these stages of tenure and how best to lead through them.

Listener Question

Will asks: If a church votes to vacate the pulpit and miss the required amount of 2/3rds but receive the majority should the pastor resign?

Episode Sponsor

This week's podcast is brought to you by Ministry Grid, a leadership training platform which will launch on 11/12/13. Ministry Grid will feature over 1,500 videos, including more than 200 free videos, and will be fully customizable to the needs of your church with the option for you to add content, create tracks for different ministries, and track the progress of participants. Ministry Grid will offer training for all areas of ministry from the parking lot to the pulpit. It's training made simple. For more information and to check out dozens of free videos or to visit our blog, go to ministrygrid.com.

Feedback

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Resources

* I Am a Church Member

* Five Stages of a Pastor’s Ministry