As pastors prepare to retire, they should work hard to help the next guy succeed. A healthy transition to “the next guy” depends in part on “the old guy.” He can support the incoming pastor or be a stumbling block.
It is customary for departing U.S. presidents to leave a letter for the incoming president providing encouragement and offering assistance. George W. Bush recently said that supporting Barack Obama meant being there for him as needed, but also staying out of the way. Healthy pastoral transitions often do best to observe the same principles.
This means the retiring pastor should do all he can to engage, encourage, and, at times, empathize with the new shepherd. Though pastoral transitions rarely depend upon “one size fits all” principles, everything that follows assumes a situation where the outgoing pastor is leaving well and supporting the new pastor. With this in mind, let’s look at some ways that the old guy can best support the new guy.
Exit Happily
It’s inevitable. Retirement means change. Even in the case of pastoral retirement, even when the retiree remains a member, his ministry to the church must radically change. He doesn’t preach, counsel, lead the staff, or
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