As Pastor__________________ leaves, the Council decided it was most appropriate to pass on the following information to the congregation during this transition time:

"When a pastor leaves a congregation it is not appropriate for him/her to continue to function in the pastoral role. This is most difficult for people to comprehend.

A pastor should not be asked to do this or that baptism or funeral or wedding. If a pastor does a funeral for Jane Doe because she was so special, why not do a baptism for Sam Smith? Sam is special too.

A pastor should not continue in any counseling relationship with a parishioner.

It is not appropriate for the pastor to be involved in any way in the call process or to comment on a particular candidate"

This is especially important to remember when Pastor__________________ leaves. A line needs to be drawn clearly so that people know he/she is no longer our pastor. While this is painful, it must be done. The Church Council fully supports his/her in this decision, and anyone of us are willing to discuss this with you in more detail if you need further clarification.

THEREFORE. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU UNDERSTAND BEGINNING__________________ PASTOR__________________ CANNOT:

come back to do funerals or weddings or baptisms
come back to lead worship services**
visit you in the hospital
accept appointments with you**

**The exception to this is that he/she can be invited back as a "former pastor" to help us celebrate special events (e.g. anniversaries).

Closure Checklist

[ ] Council receives resignation

[ ] Council notifies congregation

[ ] Council and synod staff meet to review process

[ ] Council begins ministry review and assessment

[ ] Council considers use of an intentional interim pastor

[ ] Council plans and executes farewell

[ ] Council conducts exit interview Download Exit Interview [PDF]

A Sample Service of Farewell and Godspeed

When a Pastor Leaves a Congregation

[to be placed after the Post Communion Prayer and before the closing hymn]

Farewell and Godspeed for____________________________

Pastor: You and I have been partners in the mission of _____________________ Lutheran Church for________ years. It is now time to give thanks for the life we have shared in Christ. It is also time for us to say goodbye as the Spirit has called me into a new ministry, as ____________________.

I have found our time together rewarding and memories of what we have shared will always be precious to me. You have taught me so much and I am grateful to God for our time together.

People: The Lord is loving to everyone; God's compassion is over all God's works. All your works praise you, O Lord, and your faithful servants bless you. (Psalm 145:9-10)

Pastor: Let us thank God for these years of partnership in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pastor and People: We give you thanks for your goodness and loving kindness to us and to all people. For our partnership in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for the Spirit that has empowered us to witness, we give you praise. In the name of the Creator, Savior, Spirit God we pray. Amen

Pastor: Dear friends, you have allowed me to share the responsibilities of the ordained ministry in your midst. At the beginning of our ministry, you presented me with symbols expressing my special role among you. It is time for me to return to you what you have lent me. I was called among you to baptize. Here is water which symbolizes God's gift of belonging in Christ.

(A vessel of water is given to a lay leader)

People: There is one Lord, one faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all.

Pastor: I was called among you to proclaim the Good News. Here is the Bible that expresses this call.

(A Bible is presented to a lay leader)

People: Thanks be to God for the Good News of Christ.

Pastor: I was called among you to lead worship and preside at Holy Communion. Receive now this chalice as a symbol of our worship life.

(A chalice is presented to a lay leader)

People: Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Pastor: I was called among you to each. Here is Luther's Small Catechism which represents this call.

(The Small Catechism is presented to a confirmation student)

People: Thanks be to God for the life-giving Word.

Pastor: And now, it is time for me to say farewell. I ask that in your love and commitment, you send me forth with a blessing. People: We send you forth with our blessing. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace both this day and forever. Amen.

Exit Process

The Important First Step of Pastoral Transition

Forms & Documents

Contact The Synod

Learn More on ELCA.org