Lesson 5: You’re Replaceable!

It was the hardest day of my professional ministry. I was “encouraged” to resign from my role as Senior Pastor. This situation seemed to be the result of the wishes of a few men. I felt relief, anger, fear, and strangely, peace after the decision was made and the announcement was made. Besides God, my family, especially my wife and daughters, and a few close friends, helped me deal with the situation. 

Time also helped me process the experience of that unforgettable day. If I relive the years since that day, I would have done at least two things differently. I would not have asked God so many times, “Why me?” Second, I would thank God for providing for my family and me. He delivered us from a volatile situation that negatively affected my health.

Today, I ask myself, “I’m replaceable! Why not me?” Being a displaced pastor is a common result of conflicts between pastors and the churches they serve. Why should you experience more pain than I do? God’s providence is beyond my understanding, but His presence and love are unbreakable promises He made to all His children. 

If you’re living in pain today, my words are little comfort. My words can help you when you are ready to hear them. They support you as you deal with your situation. Better yet, they prepare you for the next.

These principles will help you face the reality of being replaceable, regardless of your profession. 

1. Prepare to be replaced.

See my four earlier newsletters, “5 Lessons from a Former Displaced Pastor.”

• 1. Covering Up Doesn’t Fill Up!
• 2. Living Priorities!
• 3. Prepare for the Best of Times!
• 4. Prepare for the Worst of Times!

2. Respect the workplace and be a model employee.

The onboarding process varies. Some companies warmly welcome a new employee. Other companies create an environment where new hires are left to fend for themselves. They search for answers to even the simplest questions. 

Churches hiring pastors or companies hiring CEO’s often give the new leader the impression that they are saviors. The organization is expected to gain from this change. With this onboarding, the new leader could believe they are above the rules. They think reckless changes will be welcomed and tolerated. I recommend you respect the organization because it will outlast you. Also, be a model employee, working within the structure inherited or changed during your tenure.

3. Learn from criticism and compliments.

I became a full-time senior pastor in 1994. I thought I was prepared for the job. I quickly realized I didn’t know as much as I thought. I learned many lessons from countless mistakes. I wasn’t prepared for one discovery. I was asked countless questions. Now, I have been serving as a senior pastor for over thirty years. I believe I’ve uncovered one reason for all the questions. People ask leaders questions so their answers will “go on the record.” Answers and decisions are remembered, and your responses will be used to criticize.

Also, don’t let compliments go to your head. Most people are sincere, but others compliment your work with the expectation of receiving a favor in return. 

Use criticism and compliments to discover weaknesses or strengths. Consider the source. Use these negative and positive words to discover who your supporters or detractors are. 

4. Be humble. Life is not all about you.

Let’s look at that second sentence: “Life is not all about you.” People struggle with this concept. We are selfish by nature. The people we admire demonstrate the concept that “Life is all about me.” Social Media is the perfect platform to showcase the religion of “Life is all about me.” 

People work hard to provide for themselves and their families. A common goal is to build a desirable life. We do this by buying as many comforts as we can afford or by taking on credit. It’s hard to say, “Life is not all about me,” when we have been taught our entire lives to live the opposite. How do we overcome this mindset?

The previous question is answered with two words, “Be humble.” Humility is a foreign concept to many. A simple definition of humility is “a low estimate of one’s importance.” Too many leaders overestimate their importance. Being humble doesn’t mean someone is not important to the organization. 

5. Someone is ready to take your place.

My first full-time ministry job search lasted over three years. After I graduated from seminary, I looked high and low for my first job as a Senior Pastor. I worked for Kimberly-Clark Corporation while I waited. While searching, I noticed how many other people were looking for the same job. I thought I would never get that first job. My search experience made me aware of the competitive nature of the job market. Successful employers invest time and money in the search process, and it remains highly competitive.

There is a large number of equally qualified people searching for the job you now hold. Keep this reality in mind as you consider your commitment to your employers. 

6. Be brave and don’t live in fear of being replaced.

Don’t fear replacement. Serve your employer with excellence. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when problem-solving or when you try to help grow the bottom line.

Don’t let fear keep you trapped in a job you hate. Be willing to develop your skills so you stand out from the crowd when searching for a new position. 

As a Christian, the best piece of advice I can give you is found in the book of Proverbs. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 says,

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”

Blessings,

Terry

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