My Displaced Pastor Story

I never thought I would be that guy. The guy who was forced to resign from his ministry position. I believed that guy did bad things. That wasn’t me. I was the longest-serving pastor in the church’s history. The church faced its share of challenges, but in many ways, it remained strong. I had not done anything that could justify being fired. After years of reflection, I believe the reason I was forced to resign was that a few key leaders wanted a different person leading the church. Their simple desire for change greatly impacted my life and that of my family for the rest of our lives.

After we agreed on the terms of my separation, I provided a two-week notice, which concluded with a farewell reception. The reception was, to say the least, an interesting experience. The vast majority of the people were kind, and we reminisced about shared experiences. The group that wanted me out seemed to keep watch over us and wanted my wife and me to leave without incident as quickly as possible.

It was strange to transition from being the senior pastor and, in an instant, feel unwelcome in the church we had dedicated our lives to for over ten years. Except for a few dear friends, we felt abandoned and isolated. I want to say that we have completely overcome some of these emotions, but I can’t.

I left that church in early 2018 and soon began my search for my next ministry position. Due to my wife’s work and family needs, I had some relocation limitations, but my search for a ministry position didn’t end until January 2022. You do the math. I was out of work for almost four years. Our gratitude to God is beyond words. Simply put, God’s grace provided and continues to provide as we continue to serve His church.

My 5 Displaced Lessons for You

Looking back, I realize that God had prepared my wife and me for this experience long before 2018. I want to share five lessons that will help you before, during, and following a displaced experience.

1. Your Identity is in Christ!

Many people’s identity is based upon their work (I’m a pastor), family role (I’m a husband and father), age (I’m middle-aged), gender (I’m a man), or marital status (I’m married). As a follower of Jesus Christ, my identity is based on my relationship with Jesus. Regardless of any changes to my work, family role, age, gender, or marital status, I am first, foremost, and forever a child of God. There is comfort and hope in this reality.

I must admit I struggled with this issue. I was reminded that I was Pastor Terry by how people address me, my email address, and in many other ways. Now I know that I am a child of God before I am anything else. This reality will change your perspective on life in a good way.

2. Establish Your Priorities!

Our list of priorities is the most important thing in our lives. The problem is that we can have them out of order. Christ followers have a biblical mandate to place our priorities in the order:

God First
Self Second
Family Third
Ministry Fourth

Try this exercise. Take all the time you need and discover your list of priorities.

• Do a time spending journal.

See how you spend your time for an entire week. How much time work, watch TV, interact with Social Media, sleep, time with family and friends, church, etc.

• Do a money spending spreadsheet.

How much do you receive and how much do you spend during a typical month?
How much do you save? How much do you waste?

Be honest. Are your findings what you expected? These exercises will help you to see your priorities. Now it’s time to create your list and put it in the order you discovered during your review. I recommend that your list not exceed five items.

Now, put it in the order you desire and live your priorities.

3. Prepare for the Best!

My preparation for ministry primarily involved going to college and seminary. But there is so much more to preparation than academics. Here is a brief list.

• Be certain that God has called you to serve in ministry/vocation.
• Live your priorities.
• Along with your formal education, be a lifelong learner.
• Love and serve the people you work with.
• Work hard.
• Don’t get too comfortable.
• Make informed financial decisions.

4. Prepare for the Worst!

It seems that we are preparing for our future work and careers throughout our entire lives, until we get the job. Many people continue to prepare for new jobs yet to be filled. Very few people, however, prepare for not having a job. I’m not just talking about retirement, because that can be a completely different subject. I’m talking about being prepared in the event you become displaced.

• Review “Your Identity is in Christ.” See above.
• Begin preparing for potential displacement when you start your ministry.
• Start building your financial independence with your first paycheck.
• Save.
• Invest.
• Learn from the experts.
• Spend wisely.
• Build strong relationships with people outside your work relationships.
• Build healthy relationships with your family.

5. You’re Replaceable!

This lesson may be hard to accept. Remember these simple principles.

• There will always be someone ready to take your place.
• Be humble. Life is not all about you.
• Respect your place of work and be a model employee.
• Learn from criticism and compliments.
• Be brave and don’t live in fear of being replaced.

I hope you received some encouragement from this article. Life brings change, trouble, pain, joy, and every other kind of emotion and experience. My hope for you is that you enjoy the life you are living and remain aware and prepared for the changes that are coming.

May God’s grace prepare the way for you on your journey.

Blessings,
Terry