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
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Feedback
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