1 Timothy 3:1, “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.”

ALWAYS REMEMBER THE PRICE THE FORMER PASTOR PAID SO THAT YOU CAN HAVE THE WORK YOU HAVE TODAY

Remember him and his family in prayer. If he has moved to another ministry, remember his new ministry in prayer.

Always be thankful for the sacrifice he made, both publicly and in private conversations.

KEEP COMMUNICATION OPEN WITH THE FORMER PASTOR

Send him letters, texts, and emails expressing your love and appreciation for what he has done. From time to time, give him a personal phone call to check on him and his family.

SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION

Speak honorably of the former pastor always. Have a day every year, or every so often, where you honor him and his wife. Remember his birthday and anniversary.

Be aware of urgent needs in his life and help take care of them as much as possible. When helping take care of urgent needs in his life, it would be better to receive an offering than to vote it out of the general account. This will allow your members to love him personally and determine how much they want to give.

If you have a ladies’ event, invite the former pastor’s wife to attend and to be a part.
Give special recognition to his children when they visit your service and speak well of their dad and mom at this event.

WHEN THE FORMER PASTOR PREACHES IN THE AREA OR PUBLISHES A NEW BOOK, PROMOTE IT

When he is preaching in the area, go to hear him and take others with you. When he writes a new book, endorse it, promote it, and help to sell it for him.

SHUT DOWN ALL CRITICISM ABOUT THE FORMER PASTOR

If someone criticizes the former pastor, it is good for you not to be involved and even better for you to shut it down. If the former pastor had to leave the ministry because of sin and someone brings this up in criticism, it is better to say, “We need to pray for him,” than to enter into criticizing him with the critic.

IF THE FORMER PASTOR BECOMES CRITICAL OF YOU OR YOUR MINISTRY, AND YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG, DO NOT RETURN THE CRITICISM

Let God take care of you and your ministry, but do not seek revenge. When dealing with a critic, always respond in love and forgiveness. Never become bitter. (Heb. 12:15)

ministrysharing.com