All of us will leave a ministry position at some time. 

Being asked to leave

Being led to another position

 

How do we do that in a way that:

glorifies God

presents a witness to my community

protects the witness of the church

protects my witness and that of my family?

 

Pray - alot!

Pray that God gives you grace and mercy He has

Pray for your successor 

that they will have great success

that your church won't be wanting you back

that the church will move forward in God's power and strength

 

Have a cohort you trust to ask you questions and that you can vent to

 

Address the hurt in your heart - if you're asked to leave

keep in mind that your hurt is real and needs to be dealt with before you can move on in a healthy way.

Also keep in mind that God can still work now and will work in that church in the future

 

When you're led to leave:

When should you tell 

who should you tell when?

How long should you stay after telling them you're leaving?

 

Preaching in the exit

Not a time to bring up all the bad things people have done to you over the years - Remember not everyone has hurt you

Do be gracious

Do point to the goodness of God

Do encourage the church

 

Much work to be done as you exit

Make a list of things that need to be done or covered

make a list of where important things are - be a blessing to the next guy.

Make a list of important people to get to know in the community

Leave your office very organized