I write this month’s newsletter message with all the mixed emotions that inevitably are a part of saying good-bye to people who have been a part of my life. Soon I will no longer be your pastor as I take up that task in another place. You have taught me many things during these two years. Some of these things I will treasure in my heart, some I will ponder in spirit and some I will work hard to leave behind. But I leave confident that God will continue to be present in the faithful remnant of the church. Please pray for your new pastor as he comes to lead you into a new chapter of your life together.
Leaving a community of people that has become dear, and some of which have become friends, is not easy. I know that in the days to come, I will continue to feel like your pastor. There is something of grieving in this. It may be tempting to try to keep up with the life of Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church — the community of faith of which my own life was so much a part. I suspect that some of that same thing might be true on the part of some of you as well — that it will take some time before someone else becomes “pastor”.
We can serve each other in this process. Our connectional system has had a good deal of
experience in this business of “saying good-bye” to a pastor. We have developed good guidelines, good boundaries, that can help us both to do this in a way that brings honor to the ministry I have tried to do among you and to bring closure and health to the church. Most basic in the guidelines is the simple reminder that when a pastor leaves a congregation, it marks the end of that relationship. Not the end of love for each other, but of necessity, the end of our former relationship. I cannot, will not, involve or insert myself in any
part of the life of Mt. Nebo United Methodist church. Not as a theological guide. Not as an advisor in any matter. Not for weddings or funerals. Not even to visit someone in the hospital.
If that seems harsh, it actually is not so. It is necessary though. Experience has taught that when a pastorate is ended, the responsibility of leadership and care must end as well. For the sake of the pastor leaving a church, but even more, for the sake of the church that is called to be about the task of building bonds with a new pastor. Not easy, but so very important.
I hope you welcome your new pastor with warmth and love. I will continue to honor the ministry God has placed on my life by serving God in the new place He has prepared for me with all the warmth, love and wisdom I offered you.
Sincerely,
Rev. Pat
