While all of us would love to continue in the bliss that we will always be needed everywhere we go, the reality is that we may not.
When (not if) we are faced with leaving a ministry, as staff or a volunteer, it is vital that we do so in a manner that is worthy of the God we serve.
Period.
No Matter What, Leave Well
I asked a good friend and mentor of mine, Lee, who has been in ministry for over 20 years, what the most important thing he’s learned over the years is.
Without hesitating he replied, “Leave well.” It doesn’t matter who’s right or who did this or how many people did or didn’t know about it- just leave well.
Sage advice. And it turns out Lee has some pretty solid backup on this one: “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Rom 12:18 (NASB) This is especially important because we are family.
There will be Questions
It’s important that we make it easy for anyone to ask about this file sharing program or that box of adapters that sits by our former work area. The person coming in next isn’t going to know everything right away and will need to ask us about it.
If we’ve left the door open for communication the transition is easier for everyone involved. We need to do everything we can to eliminate questions after our departure, but not cut ourselves off completely either.
But…
Often times, and especially in ministry, there is a but. But they did this, they didn’t say that, or things weren’t handled well. If we’ve been around the church long enough we know this happens. The bigger “but” that often is over-looked or forgotten all together is that one that concerns us.
Adam Lehman says
This is incredibly timely for me. 🙁
Great stuff though. So much ministry gets “undone” when people leave poorly.
Chris says
Sorry to hear that man.
peace | dewde
Nick Shoemaker says
Adam- here’s to what our Father has next for you. It’s been 8 months since I “left well” and, while it’s been tough and trying, it’s been an amazing experience of truly seeing God walk before me. Best of bro. 🙂