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Finding a new church.

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by Pastor Gary, Sep 10, 2003.

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  1. Pastor Gary

    Pastor Gary New Member

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    I have been the pastor of a church for 3 1/2 years now and I feel that the Lord is wrapping up my ministry here. This is my first pastorate and I planted this church. Therefore, I really have no experience in finding a new church; I am looking for some godly advice to assist me in my search.

    Here is what I have done so far in my search...

    1. Pray
    2. Pray
    3. Pray
    4. Write resume, testimony, etc.
    5. Pray some more

    My heart aches for a new ministry and there are times when I feel like I could fall into despair. Why despair? Because I know that I am called to be a pastor and am very anxious to move on to what the Lord has for me next.

    Do I just need more patience and simply wait upon the Lord, or is there something more that I should be doing?

    Any advice that you have would be graciously accepted. Thank you.

    In service to Him that send us,
    Gary
     
    #1 Pastor Gary, Sep 10, 2003
  2. USN2Pulpit

    USN2Pulpit New Member

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    The first question I would ask (in love) is are you sure God's calling you away from your present pastorate?
     
    #2 USN2Pulpit, Sep 10, 2003
  3. Squire Robertsson

    Squire Robertsson Administrator
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    Or could it be that God has another phase of ministry for your current church? Speaking as one whose pastor has been in the puplit since 1977 (and I was a member before that), I know our church has gone through different phases. There have been times of growth. There have been time of shrinkage. There have been time on the plateau (no growth, but no shrinkage). The key is to outlast the time on the plateau. This can be a time of consolidation for you and your church as you prepare for what God has for you in the future.
     
    #3 Squire Robertsson, Sep 10, 2003
  4. Trotter

    Trotter <img src =/6412.jpg>

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    Let me add an additional question to the original...

    How should one go about finding his first pastorate? :confused: I have no ideas, and no information.

    In Christ.
    Trotter
     
    #4 Trotter, Sep 10, 2003
  5. Pastor Gary

    Pastor Gary New Member

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    USN2Pulpit, the answer to your question is a resounding and emphatic YES! For some months now I have known that the Lord has been leading me elsewhere. He has also given my wife the same assurance.
     
    #5 Pastor Gary, Sep 10, 2003
  6. SaggyWoman

    SaggyWoman Active Member

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    When I looked for my church position, as well as when I knew it was time to change from my first position to my second position, I sent out resume after resume after resume. Give it lots of time.

    Funny thing about my third position--the one I am in now. I had sent out my resume to them two and a half years prior to my actual arrival on the field. Funny the timing God uses and chooses.
     
    #6 SaggyWoman, Sep 11, 2003
  7. USN2Pulpit

    USN2Pulpit New Member

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    Pastor Gary, perhaps God is readying you for such a move, so that when His will is plain (i.e., a door is opened) you will be ready, too.
     
    #7 USN2Pulpit, Sep 11, 2003
  8. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    I would think you've started the "Search" correctly. Prayer and assurance that God is leading you away should be first.

    I would contact men like Circuitrider- State Mission Director for your type of Baptist and in an area where you would feel comfortable ministering.

    God is not an ogre, but will often allow you to serve in a region conducive.
     
    #8 Dr. Bob, Sep 11, 2003
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