FROM PIONEER TO PASTOR

Author: ​JEREMY ROWLAND

Many times a church planter, because he is naturally a pioneer, will have a difficult time adjusting to the composition of a more established church. It is at this transition time that many decide to “move on” when they should “move up” in their relationship and commitment with the Lord.

 1. Reasons for the adjustment

• The church begins to “stabilize” and “settle”
• Pastor is used to constantly evangelizing and motivating but now has to spend more time visiting and nurturing. You are now more of a grower than a sower
•  Pastor is now spending more time putting out fires. People = problems
• Pastor has to spend more time studying to better “feed the flock” and focus on spiritual growth
• Pastor has to switch from “doing it all himself” to “delegating”
• Pastor has to “take the oversight” and trust others to do the work
• Pastor goes from “people person” to “personal trainer”
• Pastor realizes his work isn’t the day of Pentecost but will take time to grow just like everyone else’s church

   
2. Reactions to the adjustment

• Frustration with the situation
• Church isn’t growing as fast – numerically or spiritually
• Congregation loses its zeal
• Not as many members out soul-winning
• Pastor is putting out more fires
• Not as exciting because there are real issues to deal with
• Wife sees her husband as a “baby-sitter.”
• Pastor realizes he was too quick to announce he is “self-supporting” and to have churches cut support
• Rethinking of a long-term ministry in that church
• Pastor begins to think God is moving him on
• Pastor and his wife question if the ministry is for them anymore
• Pastor begins to prepare an exit strategy

 
3. Reasons to stay beyond the adjustment

• Because God put you there – renew and reclaim your calling
• Because God wants you to grow and mature with the church
• Because you will see more fruit that remains
• Because you can multiply more for world evangelism by staying and reproducing churches
• Because you will learn to enjoy the fruit of your labor

 
4. Steps to making a successful adjustment

• You and your wife make a spiritual decision to stay
• Realize the church isn’t your church but it’s God’s church
• Seek advice from others who have successfully transitioned
• Focus on discipleship, training, and developing leadership
• Preach and teach on serving
• Focus on the mentoring the faithful members
• Focus on one person at a time, don’t expect too much
• Display areas of service and include new areas
• Give a spiritual gift test
• Meet with the faithful men on a regular bases in order to train and discuss church-related needs
• Share your vision often
• Bring on an intern or assistant
• Pray that the Lord will give you patience and resolve