It can be very painful for a pastor when someone leaves his church. The closer you were with that person, the more pain and rejection you can feel. Here is how I have handled the inclination to feel discouragement in this area.
First, I remember that the person leaving my church is God's sheep and not mine. I have the privilege of being an under-shepherd of Jesus and thus shepherding them as long as they desire.
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.Give God's sheep, the Christian, everything you can while he or she is under your leadership. If someone leaves, even if you don't understand why, know that you have prepared that person to be a blessing to someone else.
(1 Peter 5:2-4 NKJV)
Jesus will only judge us on how we take care of and love the sheep who are under our care. It helps me to look at my pastorate in this light and makes it very enjoyable. I have noticed that a pastor will lose fewer people when he pastors them with this revelation.
He will also be capable of loving the sheep in a more God-like manner.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Joe Cameneti Sr. is the lead pastor of Believers Church, located in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Joe, along with his wife Gina, pioneered Believers Church in 1983 following his graduation from Bible School.
In addition to leading a thriving local church, Pastor Joe is the host of a weekly show called "BCTV." The program is aired locally, reaching over 30,000 people each month.
Pastor Joe is a gifted communicator, skilled in the art of building bridges to unchurched America. Transparent and authentic, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged to connect with God in a deeper way.
