Metropolitan Chicago Synod
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

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Call Process - Things You Should Know/Do When a Pastor Leaves

As Pastor__________________ leaves, the Council decided it was most appropriate to pass on the following information to the congregation during this transition time:

"When a pastor leaves a congregation it is not appropriate for him/her to continue to function in the pastoral role.  This is most difficult for people to comprehend.

A pastor should not be asked to do this or that baptism or funeral or wedding. If a pastor does a funeral for Jane Doe because she was so special, why not do a baptism for Sam Smith? Sam is special too.

A pastor should not continue in any counseling relationship with a parishioner.

It is not appropriate for the pastor to be involved in any way in the call process or to comment on a particular candidate"

This is especially important to remember when Pastor__________________ leaves. A line needs to be drawn clearly so that people know he/she is no longer our pastor. While this is painful, it must be done. The Church Council fully supports his/her in this decision, and anyone of us are willing to discuss this with you in more detail if you need further clarification.

THEREFORE. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU UNDERSTAND
BEGINNING__________________ PASTOR__________________ CANNOT:
 
  • come back to do funerals or weddings or baptisms
  • come back to lead worship services**
  • visit you in the hospital
  • accept appointments with you


**The exception to this is that he/she can be invited back as a "former pastor" to help us celebrate special events (e.g. anniversaries).

 

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