Why Smooth Pastoral Transitions Matter More Now Than Ever

For many generations, people who went to church would attend every Sunday no matter what. Whether out of habit, culture, tradition, denominational identity, fear of reprisal, or a sincere commitment to Christ and his church, when the doors were open, they were going to walk through them. That era is going, going … gone. Today, people choose what church to attend based on a variety of factors. And the list keeps changing. As those old loyalties have drifted down the list, new factors are rising to take a place of greater prominence. Among the highest reasons today are worship style, kids’ ministries and pastoral teaching. Those three barely registered with people a couple generations ago. Pastoral transitions matter more now than ever because the role of the pastor has risen substantially on the list of reasons people do or don’t attend a church. I don’t think the charisma or teaching style of the pastor should factor as high as it does. But it’s no worse than the denominational loyalty, family tradition and guilt-based cultural expectations that used to top the list.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/tinyfroglet/2668687327/

For many generations, people who went to church would attend every Sunday no matter what. Whether out of habit, culture, tradition, denominational identity, fear of reprisal, or a sincere commitment to Christ and his church, when the doors were open, they were going to walk through them.

That era is going, going … gone.

Pastoral transitions matter more now than ever because the role of the pastor has risen substantially on the list of reasons people do or don’t attend a church.

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