Thanks for Walking a Good Stretch Together

I was listening to a show talk about pastors leaving their congregations.  They said, “The relationship between a pastor and a congregation is not a marriage, but more like two people who agree to walk together for a stretch.” 

                When I started here, George Folkerts was our janitor, and he would take a coffee break with me every day in my office.  Much has changed since then.  I have a different office; the church has a different kitchen, we have been through several different janitors.  One of the few things that has stayed the same is the church’s old Bunn Coffee Maker. 

I am grateful to have walked with this congregation through many changes.  Thanks for taking care of our family.  Thanks for agreeing to take risks.  Thanks for serving the Lord faithfully.  Thanks for forgiving me and one another when needed.  Thanks for the coffee.

                This is my last article for “Water From the Rock.” (The newsletter changed names too.) I am so pleased with the way the congregation is handling our departure.  You have been kind and appreciative, but at the same time hopeful and actively engaged in your ministry for the future.  We are both going places God has for us, just no longer together.  I have great hopes for you as you follow Jesus…Further!

                The NAB Pastoral Code of Ethics states:  Upon my resignation, I will sever my pastoral relations with the church and shall not make pastoral contacts of any kind with the members of the church(es) whom I formally served without the knowledge and consent of the pastor(s).  

                This might seem unnecessarily harsh or abrupt at first glance, but there is good reason behind it.  If I don’t get out of the way, I could hinder your agreement to walk the next stretch with another pastor.  I could trip up your steps or his.  So, after August 23rd I will not be performing any weddings or funerals or counseling for any persons from this congregation.  I will not be listening to reports from any of you about how church is going no matter how curious I might be.  I will not be sharing my counsel or giving my advice.  I need to stay on my path while you stay on yours.  We can both trust that the God who has seen fit to walk with us these many years we have walked together will lead each of us well as we continue on our separate ways. 

Thanks for everything,

Pastor Harrison