Leadership Thought: The Day I Almost Quit My Church

Dear Friends,

Several months ago, I spent time reflecting on all the people and events that during my life had shaped and impacted my life and ministry. I was surprised by the number I was able to recall.  Without these people and events, I know that my life and ministry would be dramatically different today. 

I then decided to develop a "Thankful List" in which I described how God used each of those people and events to make a difference in my life and ministry.  At this point I have almost thirty people and events described on that “Thankful List" and my list is still growing.

This weekend I am traveling seven hours east to Greenville, Pa. to celebrate with people who are included on my "Thankful List." It happens that the church is celebrating its 200th anniversary, and to commemorate this occasion, the church has invited all the pastors who have previously served the church to attend a weekend celebration.

Let me share with you the words I wrote in describing why First Presbyterian Greenville was so special to me and why the church was included on my Thankful List.

                 First Presbyterian  Church in Greenville, Pa

Midway through my seven years of ministry in Greenville, Pa, I was growing weary. I was feeling discouraged, and I was thinking I had accomplished everything I could do.  At the time I thought only Jean was aware of my restless spirit, and my longing for a change. I had reached the point where I was now considering a church change, when unbeknownst to me, word had leaked out that I was feeling like the end of my ministry in Greenville was coming to a close.

It was a week or two before Valentine’s Day, when I was suddenly surprised by the volume of Valentine cards that were appearing in my mailbox. Inside those envelopes were cards with handwritten notes of encouragement, each screaming out the words, "We love you, and we appreciate your ministry." They kept on coming, piling up on my desk, even after Valentine's Day.

To this day, I have no idea who or how this mailing campaign was orchestrated, but I do remember how my heart was touched and encouraged by the church’s love and support for me and our family. My longing for a new situation quickly became a thing of the past, as I began  one of the most productive and rewarding times of any ministry I have ever had.

Today I am thankful for the three extra years of ministry my family and I enjoyed with those wonderful Greenville people who 'loved me back home.'

I share this story because it is an example of how encouragement can change one’s heart. It is true that encouragement is oxygen to the soul, and everyone needs it. It revitalizes, refreshes and restores us, and it’s what keeps pastors from giving up when facing those dark days of discouragement.

Pastoring a church can sometimes become discouraging, and I wonder how many pastors might  have quit too soon were it not for the loving encouragement they received from their people.

Pastor Appreciation Day must never be limited to just one day; it must be celebrated daily, so why not celebrate it today by dropping a note of appreciation to your pastor(s).I know that they will be glad you did.

Yours in faith and friendship,

Tom