Ten Commandments for Pastors Leaving a Congregation

by Lawrence W. Farris

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2006

Overview

Pastoral transitions can be fraught with pitfalls, yet there is advice that can help ministers and congregations avoid those dangers. Lawrence Farris, a pastor who himself has left three churches, here gives 10 wise, thoughtful commandments for shepherds leaving their flock. Hardly heavy-handed dictums, these “commandments” are more gospel than law, laying out helpful strategies in such areas as recognizing when to depart, patching broken relationships, and enabling the next pastor to make a clean start.

While many may dream of a comfortable, long-term pastorate, today’s congregational realities make the wisdom in this book relevant for pastors in churches big and small, liberal and conservative. Perfect for pastors soon to depart and for those happy to stay put for now, Ten Commandments for Pastors Leaving a Congregation provides welcome guidance to both pastors and parishioners facing this hopeful and challenging transition.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Presents 10 wise, thoughtful commandments for shepherds leaving their flock
• Lays out helpful strategies for pastoral transitions
• Provides welcome guidance to both pastors and parishioners

Contents

• Thou Shalt Know When It Is Time to Go
• Thou Shalt Explain Thyself
• Thou Shalt Not Steal Away
• Thou Shalt Affirm Thy Congregation’s Ministry
• Thou Shalt Try to Mend Fences
• Thou Shalt Help Thy Successor Have a Good Beginning
• Thou Shalt Be Gentle with Thyself
• Thou Shalt Attend to Thy Family
• Thou Shalt (Usually) Stay Away Once Thou Hast Left
• Thou Shalt Grieve

Top Highlights

“ut there is also the possibility for forgiveness and learning as the relationship ends.” (Page xii)

“The time of parting affords an often-missed opportunity for learning and clarification, for healing and forgiveness.” (Page xiii)

Praise for the Print Edition

Offers practical wisdom for the leaving process . . . A must read for every pastor.

—Enrichment

Product Details

• Title: Ten Commandments for Pastors Leaving a Congregation
• Author: Lawrence W. Farris
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 2006
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 105
• Era: era:Contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Clergy › Relocation; Clergy › Appointment, call, and election
• ISBNs: 9780802829245, 0802829244
• Resource ID: LLS:TNCMMNDCNGRGTN
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T03:25:26Z

About Lawrence W. Farris

Lawrence W. Farris has served churches in Maryland and Michigan, and is currently interim pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan.