{"id":32321,"date":"2022-09-10T16:05:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T21:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/5-keys-to-starting-a-new-pastorate-well\/"},"modified":"2022-09-10T16:05:00","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T21:05:00","slug":"5-keys-to-starting-a-new-pastorate-well","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/5-keys-to-starting-a-new-pastorate-well\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Keys to Starting a New Pastorate Well"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Josh King<\/em><\/p>\n

I just finished a new start. I guess I can say that. When are you no longer the \u201cnew guy?\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s like the whole, \u201cwhen is a church plant no longer a plant?\u201d question. But we\u2019ll leave that one for another day.<\/p>\n

As I write this, I\u2019ve been the new pastor of Second Baptist Conway for three months. To be honest, it feels like it\u2019s been much longer than that.<\/p>\n

Starting a new pastorate has been both hard and rewarding. But it\u2019s a good kind of difficult.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll have to wait a few years to find out if I started well, but as best as I can tell, things are going well.<\/p>\n

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If you\u2019re beginning a new pastorate role, here are five keys I\u2019ve discovered in this last little whirlwind that may be of some use to you.<\/p>\n

1. Play the Long Game<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I have to tell myself this all the time. Since I spent seven and a half years at my previous pastorate and accomplished so much there, I continually battle impatience.<\/p>\n

I want to get to the maturity we had in my previous church, right now. Yesterday would be preferred!<\/p>\n

But just like my last church, this relationship will take time to develop. And that\u2019s not just good\u2013it\u2019s for the best<\/em>.<\/p>\n

2. Learn From Your Mistakes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The way my extended faith family finds and selects pastors can make the process overwhelming. You spend months just walking through a process and getting to the church.<\/p>\n

Most of the conversation focuses on the challenges the church is facing and the steps to getting you and your family \u201con the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

In all of that, we lose sight of the day-to-day priorities we should be making with the actual people. So, take a few moments and write out all the things you would\u2019ve done if you could have started your previous pastorate over.<\/p>\n

What meetings would you\u2019ve had? Which challenges would you\u2019ve focused on that you didn\u2019t? Once you\u2019ve identified these things, try to do them where you are now.<\/p>\n

3. Bring Your Experience<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You\u2019re no longer a green pastor. You\u2019ve done this before. So don\u2019t stand there looking at your church like a calf looking at a new gate.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a time for you to learn the staff, culture, and structure of a new church. However, there\u2019s also a large number of people who are wanting you to jump in and lead. They\u2019ve been waiting for you to do this!<\/p>\n

Be honest, be direct, and make decisions. Say, \u201cLet\u2019s try it this way for a while and see how it goes.\u201d<\/p>\n

We waste a lot of time in the name of \u201clearning this culture.\u201d While that may be vital, a lot of what you learned in your previous assignment is applicable anywhere.<\/p>\n

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See also  Is It \u2018Ministry Failure\u2019 To See a Counselor?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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So apply it. I\u2019d argue God was preparing you in your last position so you\u2019d be successful in this one.<\/p>\n

4. Relationships Have a Hierarchy<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When entering a new pastorate, the temptation is to get into your new digs, establish a larger platform, and start making the rounds having coffee or playing golf with the other pastors in town.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s fun, but it can wait.<\/p>\n

This has been a big transition for you and your family. Spend some time, not at the church or with church folks, but with your family. Explore the city and new setting together<\/em>. Convey a sense of calm and fun.<\/p>\n

After that, you need to get to know the leadership of your church. Lunch is an excellent time to hang out with them. If you have staff, plan some fun times to get to know each other and have a good time.<\/p>\n

The other ministers are fun to hang with, and there may be an incredible pressure to display \u201cbig C, Church unity,\u201d but that can wait.<\/p>\n

5. This is a time and relationship gig<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is the biggest thing. Don\u2019t sweat all the oddities you discover at your new church. A few people will be unreasonably difficult. Some will be suspiciously friendly.<\/p>\n

Just love people and trust God.<\/p>\n

Take your time to build relationships, set agendas, and launch initiatives. Don\u2019t take forever, but lay a groundwork of a few weeks or months. It\u2019s worth it.<\/p>\n

Treat small victories as major accomplishments (because they are<\/em>). Enjoy the awesome privilege of being called the pastor.<\/p>\n

Pastoring takes time and is all about relationships. Remind yourself of that truth regularly, and it will continue to pay off over the years<\/p>\n

Only a few people will remember how you started; most will remember how you end. However, the latter is determined in large part by the former.<\/p>\n

Start well and remain steadfast in prayer. I\u2019m rooting for you.<\/p>\n

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Josh King<\/h2>\n

@JoWiKi<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Josh is pastor of Second Baptist Church in Conway, Arkansas, husband of Jacki, and father of three boys.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n