By Jonathan Howe
After watching the unfolding saga of Lane Kiffin moving to LSU this past weekend, I read a post that addressed a lot of the generic motivations and ideas around coaches taking new jobs midseason and knew there was a parallel to the Church and pastors moving from church to church.
Here are six things to consider on how to transition well from one church to another.
1. BEING APPROACHED ISN’T SOMETHING TO HIDE.
When a pastor or ministry leader serves faithfully, people notice. Other churches may see that fruit and reach out. That’s not a reason for pride, but it is a reminder that fruitful ministry draws attention. In a season like that, a church shouldn’t shame a staff member, nor should the staff member feel awkward acknowledging that others see God at work in their life. As Paul wrote, “Each person should examine his own work” (Galatians 6:4, CSB).
2. CLARIFYING YOUR CALLING IS RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP.
Sometimes the Lord gives long-term peace in your current role. Other times, He stirs your heart toward a new assignment. Only you can prayerfully evaluate whether the opportunities in front of you fit how God has wired you. Staff members shouldn’t feel guilty for discerning the Lord’s leading, and churches shouldn’t begrudge that process.
3. QUIET DISCERNMENT IS NOT DISHONESTY.
There are moments when a pastor or staff member may explore another role privately so they can discern the Lord’s will without creating unnecessary anxiety in the congregation. Churches do something similar when they begin thinking toward future staffing needs—they don’t announce those questions on day one. Ministry is relational, but there are appropriate times for measured privacy.
4. TRANSPARENT CONVERSATIONS CAN STILL HONOR CHRIST.
In other situations, wisdom calls for open dialogue. If a staff member has deep trust with their church leadership, sharing that another ministry has reached out can build unity instead of suspicion. It gives leaders the chance to pray, speak into the discernment process, and avoid surprises. If a staff member chooses this path, they should be upfront about what they’re considering and humble about the outcome.
5. WHEN THE LORD MOVES YOU ON, MOVE WITH CLARITY.
If a pastor or staff member becomes convinced that God is calling them elsewhere, the most loving thing they can do is communicate that decision cleanly and quickly. Don’t linger, don’t dramatize the moment, and don’t try to renegotiate your influence on the way out. A healthy exit communicates gratitude, finishes well, and leaves room for the church to begin its next chapter.
6. LEAVE WITHOUT CREATING UNNECESSARY WAVES.
A staff member stepping into a new assignment shouldn’t attempt to keep leadership control, delay their departure, or recruit people to follow them out the door. That behavior damages trust and harms the witness of the church. Instead, they should remember that their final official act is simply expressing their resignation, and then trusting the church’s leadership to guide the transition. In almost every instance of leaving badly, it was the person’s desire to control the process as they left that caused the issues. Once you decide you’re leaving, you need to realize you no longer have the authority to influence the process. Leave and leave well.
At the end of the day, churches and ministry leaders navigate these transitions best when they keep their eyes on Christ and their hands open. Staff changes can feel unsettling, but they’re also moments to trust the Lord’s wisdom, reaffirm the mission, and show grace to one another. Whether someone stays or goes, the goal is the same: honor Jesus, love His people, and move forward with integrity as you seek to make disciples of all nations.
Howe is vice president for convention administration at the SBC Executive Committee.
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