The Ten Commandments of Receiving a New Pastor

Whenever anyone says, these are the “Ten commandments of…” you are about to read decisive and constitutional ideas that are foundational for something that is very important and strategic to success and healthy relationships. Quite a number of years ago, I wrote a piece about pastoral transitions which I want to share with you now. I have changed the names, but the principles are still the same. How many of these commands will you be able to fulfill in the coming months?

1. Always wear a nametag and always introduce yourself early on multiple times. Do this  until it becomes embarrassingly clear that you don’t have to tell Linda who you are    again for the 100th time! Place the burden of memory on yourself, not on Linda.

2. Always ask “Why?” before offering a counterthought, idea, or critique. Learn your pastor’s purposes. Understand her heart and mind. Support her initiatives as best you can. 

3. Pray daily for heaven’s protection and favor over her life, marriage, ministry, and family. Ask for God’s anointing to fall afresh upon her each day and for heaven’s angels to protect her from the evil one. 

4. Be her wise and timely counselor. Protect her from stepping on invisible landmines by offering inside wisdom that is not disparaging of others but helpful for smart navigation. 

5. Discover what makes your pastor’s heartbeat come alive in ministry and then support those efforts to grow the kingdom among us. Help connect Linda to the broader community by invites and introductions.  

6. Follow the leader. God has put Linda here as our appointed and anointed leader. Make her ministry a joy, not a burden. Resign from the “Cold-Water-Committee” and hop onboard the can-do gospel train! 

7. Give Linda and John a fun gift of relationship time over coffee, candy, lunch, walks, or something they each really like and enjoy! 

8. Be a friend and friendly to her. Give her times when she is not just “a pastor!” Encourage her to attend to her restful, playful rhythms that safeguard her health and humanity.

9. Bless and befriend Linda as (over time) you make “suggestions” and possible “corrections” to her ministry vision and agenda. Know that in any different views or ideas, we can still love alike and be of one heart, even though we may have differing opinions (the genius of John Wesley). 

10. Never compare Linda to David (or any other previous pastor). Do not expect her to be like me. Receive, explore, discover, and respect the unique person and minister that Linda will be among you for your next chapter in OHFUMC’c story. 

2 Comments


Jan - June 7th, 2024 at 10:11am

Amen! Well thought out and a great blueprint for accepting and enhancing her ministry1

Daisy S - June 13th, 2024 at 3:05pm

Jun & I have welcomed all previous pastors and their families with open arms and open minds. We will of course, do the same for our incoming clergy, Pastor Linda.

nThank you P Dave, for these commands and reminders.

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