WHEN A PASTOR RESIGNS (Chapter 4) What are the solutions?

A WORD TO PASTORS

In our previous chapters, we explored various reasons why pastors resign and pastoral calls come to an end. Now, we'll discuss solutions to address these challenges.

Firstly, pastors need to be sure of their calling. I've interacted with numerous pastors who were certain about their calling, and this conviction helped them navigate ministry challenges. Anyone entering the ministry must be sure of their conviction to shepherd souls. Given the challenges African pastors face, it's crucial to have assurance in their calling to avoid an early exit.

During my tenure as Pastor at Choma Central Baptist Church, I often asked myself, "Why am I here?" The answer was clear: "God called me to this." This conviction must be every pastor's guiding principle.

Secondly, church leaders must prepare for leadership succession. In my discussions with pastors, it's evident that many love their congregations and work and would love to serve as long as possible. However, death can bring a pastoral call to an end, so it's wise for veteran pastors to identify and mentor young leaders who can succeed them. This succession planning is crucial, as death can occur unexpectedly.

Regarding financial challenges, pastors can consider empowering their wives by starting a family business or encouraging them to pursue formal employment or skill development. While this may not resolve all financial struggles, it can bring stability.

Raphael Banda, Kwenda Kwenda and Enock Sakala
 at a youth camp 

And finally, I want to address a crucial issue that affects many pastors: burnout. As we discussed earlier, burnout is a leading cause of pastoral resignations. Dear pastors, I urge you to prioritize rest and avoid overwork. The ministry is indeed a challenging and demanding calling, as the apostle Paul likened it to the hard work of soldiers, athletes, and farmers (2 Timothy 2:4-6).

As someone who has served as a pastor for over a decade, I can attest to the fact that sermon preparation alone requires a significant amount of time - at least 10 hours per week. Therefore, it's essential to make the most of your off days and leave days. Take time to recharge, refresh, and refuel. I recall a thought-provoking Facebook meme that showed an elderly man taking a break from his journey to enjoy a meal. His car was parked nearby, and the caption read, "Sometimes it's good to take a pause, recharge, and get back on the road." This simple yet profound message resonated with me. Dear pastors, I encourage you to adopt this mindset. Learn to pause, recharge, and return to your ministry with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury, it's a necessity. By prioritizing your well-being, you'll become a more effective and sustainable minister of the Gospel.

Thank you for joining me on this journey as I explore solutions to support churches and pastors and reduce pastoral resignations. Stay tuned for more insights and practical advice in the coming weeks! My next post will be on October 18th, 2024, so mark your calendars and join me again as I continue to address this critical topic. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those who serve in ministry.