By Brent Lacy
Pastor Search & Transition
What to Do When Your Pastor Leaves: A Step-by-Step Guide
Your pastor just left. Maybe it was expected. Maybe it was sudden. Either way, your church is now in a season of transition.
The First 24 Hours
- Secure church property (keys, files, equipment, credit cards)
- Notify church leadership
- Notify your denomination (if applicable)
- Ensure worship coverage for the next 2-4 Sundays
- Prepare an announcement for the congregation
The First Week
- Draft and send a church-wide announcement
- Contact your denominational office for guidance
- Identify interim worship leaders
- Set up a meeting with the church board
- Create a FAQ document for common questions
Helping the Church Process Grief
When a pastor leaves, the church grieves. Here is how to help:
- Acknowledge the grief, do not rush past it
- Be honest but gracious
- Remind the church of God’s faithfulness
- Provide pastoral care for vulnerable members
- Give people time, do not rush the search
Forming the Search Committee
- Size: 5-9 members
- Composition: Spiritually mature members representing different ages and areas of church life
- Structure: Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Prayer Coordinator
- Covenant: Create a written agreement covering purpose, confidentiality, and decision-making
The Search Process: What to Expect
- Church self-assessment
- Pastor profile, write down what you need
- Job posting on church job boards
- Resume review, narrow to 3-5 candidates
- Phone/video interviews
- In-person interviews
- Reference checks
- Congregational vote
- Call and negotiation
- Transition planning
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the process
- Not defining what you need
- Ignoring red flags
- Not involving the congregation
- Comparing everyone to the previous pastor
Our Pastor Search Committee Toolkit ($39) provides a complete, step-by-step guide for search committees.
Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The Interim Pastor Handbook (free) and the Pastor Search Committee Toolkit (9) give your board everything needed to navigate the transition well.