WHEN A PASTOR RESIGNS (CHAPTER 3)

Last week, we explored reasons why a pastoral call comes to an end. This week, I'll begin sharing reasons why pastors resign. Let's examine four reasons today, and next time, we'll dive into additional factors.

1. Burnout

The Advanced English Dictionary defines burnout as "Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress." Overworking can lead to burnout, but it's essential to distinguish it from hard work. Some individuals are naturally hard workers, while others may push themselves too far, neglecting rest and leading to burnout.

Sadly, some churches place an enormous workload on their pastors, leaving them with little time for rest. Apart from preparing sermons, leading various ministries, and overseeing church activities pastors are given to many other responsibilities. This excessive burden can lead to physical and mental exhaustion.

Pastor D shared his experience of burnout, stating, "The work of church planting is very involving, especially when you don't have people to support you. This caused me to experience burnout, making it difficult to do the work I love."

Kwenda with his first mode of transport in Choma

Additionally, some pastors face situations with no leave days or sabbatical leave, leading to further exhaustion. Pastor B mentioned that after serving for several years without leave days, his body got weary, and he needed a break. However, his terms and conditions only allowed him to take a few days off, leaving him with no choice but to continue working and risk becoming ineffective or resign to get much-needed rest.

It's crucial to remember that pastors are human beings, not machines. They need rest and support to avoid burnout. Even machines break down, and vehicles need servicing after extensive use.

2. Persecution

Persecution can also lead to the end of a pastor's call in a particular area. While death eliminates the minister from Earth, persecution usually relocates the minister. In Acts 8:1-4, several people left Jerusalem due to persecution, but they didn't die. Instead, they relocated to serve in another area. Philip, for example, relocated to Samaria (Acts 8:4-5) and later to Caesarea (Acts 8:40).

Persecution can take various forms, including financial strain, verbal or written accusations, and human conflict. Pastor E shared his experience, saying, "The relationship between me and the elders had deteriorated beyond repair. This affected the church negatively. I felt it was time for me to leave for the sake of peace, so the church could move forward." 

3. Human Conflict

Conflict is often defined as the absence of peace, which can manifest in the heart or between individuals. Serving in a local church where there is no peace and ongoing conflict can be traumatic for pastors. The Bible provides an example of conflict between two godly men, Paul and Barnabas, in Acts 15:36-41. Despite their shared faith, they had a sharp disagreement that led to separation.

Paul and Barnabas's conflict demonstrates that even godly individuals can disagree. The scripture doesn't elaborate on the intensity of their argument, but it highlights the depth of their disagreement, leading to a separation. If Paul and Barnabas could part ways and serve in different locations, why would it be challenging for other pastors to separate from their churches due to conflict?

Conflict can arise in various forms, including doctrinal differences. When a church's leaders and pastor disagree on fundamental beliefs, it can create an insurmountable bond of contention. In such cases, the pastor may need to step down. Pastor E shared his experience, saying, "I differed with my elders, and after this, my doctrinal position changed concerning eldership polity...With this shift, I couldn't continue as a Minister in any Baptist Church."

This highlights that conflict can lead to a re-evaluation of beliefs and values, making it impossible for a pastor to continue serving in their current context.

4. Sin

God's call to ministry is a call to faithfulness, and pastors are stewards of God, managing His churches and representing Him in various ways. One essential aspect of this stewardship is maintaining high levels of holiness, as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:2, which states that an overseer must be "above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach."

The phrase "above reproach" emphasises the need for pastors to be spiritually and morally upright. However, if a pastor fails to meet this standard due to sin, they may be required to resign on moral grounds. This is because their actions have compromised their ability to represent God and lead the church effectively. Depending on the nature and severity of the sin, some churches may request their pastors to resign. This is not only to maintain the integrity of the church but also to ensure that the pastor can seek restoration and healing.

Resignation due to sin is a serious matter, and pastors must prioritise their spiritual and moral well-being to avoid compromising their ministry and relationship with God.

Stay tuned for the next instalment of our series on why pastors resign, coming on October 4th, 2024! We'll explore more reasons why pastors feel compelled to step down from their roles and examine the complex issues surrounding pastoral resignation. Don't miss it!