5 Reasons To Resign From A Church Staff
Usually when I read posts or tweets like this, I assume the person writing it is hurting, or dealing with staff drama. I want to first assure you that is not the case at all for me. The Abba’s House and RPMI staff and leadership team has been exceptional during this very difficult year. I am beyond proud of how they have tackled this time with grace, flexibility, and Kingdom focus. As a Pastor I do not take this for granted, and I know how blessed I am. To all our staff: Thank you for honoring and following the call of God on your life, no matter the season.
The heart of the Father is for ALL churches to thrive, all teams to be healthy, and for Kingdom work to move forward. This post comes from a lifetime of seeing church ministry from the inside out. I want to help those of you working in churches to find your purpose, freedom, and peace. This question of “is it time for me to move on?” affects everyone regardless of your position in ministry. Take time to reflect here, take inventory of your situation, and be sensitive to the leading of the Lord.
5 Reasons to Resign from a Church Staff:
1. God has not called you there
This sounds simple but it is the main reason, and the one that matters most. Maybe you were once called there, but that time has ended; or you were never called there and missed God’s direction. It happens. The money may be great, the people, the programs, the city; but none of that will be “enough” if you are not called to be there. We all have an overarching calling to reach the lost, love our neighbor, and love the Lord with all our heart. Additionally, we can be called to churches or positions for a reason, most for a season, and few for a lifetime. There is NO SHAME in admitting that and embracing your next steps.
2. You are blaming others for the fruit you are not bearing
Blaming is such an easy trap to fall into. If it has become easier to blame the church, programs, or the atmosphere for why you aren’t growing, you have likely overstayed your time. Your growth in the Lord comes from personal relationship with Him, and He brings a Harvest into your life. It is not the responsibility of a place or a program to bring about your fruit. Playing the blame game doesn’t do anyone any good, and it may be time to move on.
3. Your spouse is miserable
I’m sorry, you are in a no-win situation. Once you get married, you are ONE flesh. If your spouse has been wounded by the church, or is critical of the church, it will be hard for you to thrive. Whether it’s demonstrated by making passive aggressive social media posts, or being unable to connect and make friends, there needs to be change. It doesn’t matter whose fault it is. Either God will change your spouses’ heart and bring reconciliation, or you need to make a move for your family. Notice that I didn’t mention kids. Why? They aren’t the spiritual leaders of the family. They go through so many phases, it isn't biblical to allow children and teenagers to dictate where the parents are to live, grow, and serve. It is better for the parents to show their children how to be led by the Holy Spirit.
4. The Church has changed but you haven’t
Or you have changed, but the church hasn’t. This could be a doctrinal change, spiritual change, leadership change, or administrative change. Sometimes a church doesn’t change, period. Other times it doesn’t change fast enough. This requires patience and prayer. Could it be you are confused about the vision? Most lead pastors I know will be honest about the vision and where they are leading the church. You will know if you are on the same page with them or not. Have an honest and respectful conversation with leadership about how you feel, and God will take care of you for being honest and honorable. God honors those who walk in integrity.
5. You are doing more harm than good
Maybe your discontent has caused you to speak against and hurt the church. Remember it’s still God’s church and His people. Resist the urge to hurt it even if you are hurting. God will heal you and take care of you, all while taking care of them as well. If the church is not going in the right direction, God will take care of that.
After reflecting on those reasons, you may be asking, “How can I leave the right way?” No matter if it’s because you are called elsewhere, wounded, or feeling critical of the church you are in, the answer is the same: HONOR. If hurt or misunderstanding is what you are battling, my first counsel to you would be to strive for reconciliation. Even if you aren’t called to stay and you end up moving on, Jesus is all about reconciliation.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
– Matthew 5:23-24
Sometimes reconciliation is not possible. If that’s the case, dust yourself off, and move forward with the Lord to your next assignment. Even then, maintain an attitude of honor. Don’t give in to the temptation to tear down that ministry with others. Remember, there are no crowns given out in Heaven for hurting God’s church. That goes for pastors, leaders, and those who serve on a church staff as well.
For any pastors reading this, maybe you aren't questioning your calling, but needing grace to weather the waves of people coming and going. It is a hard thing, whether it’s due to conflict, or to some of your best team members moving to their next assignment. This is the key for you to avoid discouragement and hurt: KINGDOM. Keep your mind focused on the greater Kingdom assignment, even if it rocks your church. Try not to take the criticisms personally, and if reconciliation doesn’t work, let them go, bless them as they go, and get your eyes back on Kingdom. When it’s your best people moving on: CELEBRATE. Celebrate that your season together helped equip them for their next season. Celebrate that through them, you are expanding Kingdom work. It is about Kingdom.
I have learned in my 38 years that churches make mistakes, staff members make mistakes, disagreements occur, and misunderstandings can be a weekly occurrence. Seasons end sometimes in a Godly way, and sometimes in a fleshly way, but God still loves His church. Just because things end does not mean they must end badly. Let us learn to honor, reconcile where possible, and celebrate the changing seasons of our lives.