You wrote "But, for you non-congregationalists out there (who need Bibles), the church actually votes to call the pastor."

thanks for your posts, I genuinely appreciate your research and all that the Lord is doing through you. a couple questions/comments:

1. Where in the bible does it talk about voting for a pastor, or being a congregationalist?

2. I imagine you are aware that non-congregationalists e.g. Presbyterians [PCA] (as I am) have the congregation vote for members of Session (associate and senior pastors). It is only non-Session members i.e. assistant pastors, that are not vted on by the congregation.

Thanks again!

How about the final sermon being ..'I am leaving but God isn't!'

This makes me think of Acts 20 as Paul says goodbye to the Ephesian elders and the whole book of Deuteronomy as Moses prepares the people to enter the next phase of their history with a new leader.

I'd say preach on the Gospel itself and its foundation, the Scriptures. Thats what both Paul and Moses did - reminded the of God's word and its centrality... and the fact that the message is what's important - not the messenger... that generations will follow after them, but remaining faithful and obedient to God's word is key.

I would recommend preaching at least some of the sermons on the idea that the church is to do the work of ministry not the pastor. Eph. 4:11-12. We often fall into the trap that now that we have a pastor he will do the work. Just a thought.

A joke, my non-congregational friend. ;-) (I love that you made that your name.)

That answer will be for another post, though.

Ed

This is about your post Ed. I just wanted to say that you look great with the health program you are on.

In similar situations I preach from John the Baptist's words, "He must increase, I must decrease." While one might take that as I - the interim - must decrease, so that he - the New Pastor - can increase, I'd teach it as both of us being in JOhn's shoes. WE must decrease - Jesus must increase.

Another thing I do, but probably wouldn't work in a large situation like yours, is invite the people to come to the altar and I take time to pray individually for each one. After a couple hundred my legs are in great pain (for a couple of days), but after yeras of building relationships, it seems like a healthy closure.

1. Revelation 2-3. Protect the Church from being a casualty.

2. Luke 10:27. Do these things until He comes again.

Ed,
Thank you for all you do.

I think you should precede the candidate's arrival with something on Jesus' arrival from the perspective of John the Baptist.

How about an Ezra/Nehemiah series asking the question "what do we see in the Isrealites moving forward out of exile that we can apply as we move forward?". Ezra shares some interesting encounters of multiple generations having trouble being on the same page when trying to rebuild the temple. Also both books show how the people were united around repentance and a commitment to God's Word.

Hey Ed,

Unlike previous comment-leavers, I'm not so sure some of the above comparisons are what the church needs.
Ed = John the Baptist?
New Pastor = Jesus?

I want you to know that I really look up to you, and I'm sure the new pastor candidate is a godly man, but not that much.

Perhaps you might preach on how God gives pastors to his churches and how a good pastor is a good gift from God. Perhaps that might include some biblical theology on the role of pastor as shepherd-leader-servant.

Or perhaps you might preach on the characteristics that you would want to be true of a congregation that you were coming to serve as a new pastor. Here are some things I'd want to see if I were going to a new church:
- quick to respond to God's Word
- worshipful and God-centered
- aligned to God's mission
- loving towards people who aren't like them

But more than anything, I think you should drive home your God-given passion for the church being on God's mission as you preach your last sermons at FBC Hendersonville.

I prayed for you this morning (I hope you and Donna have a great getaway! You need all of them that you can get!) and I prayed for God to use these sermons to build up His church and bring Him great glory.

Yours in Christ,

Scott

I would preach on the role, authority, weightiness of the office of pastor/elder. Take the opportunity to create a new paradigm for them to understand his role under God (Heb. 13 kind of stuff), and their service to God through their attention to the pastor.

1. Acts 18:24-19:10.

2.Paul's farewell discourse in Acts 20:17-38.

Ed, Obviously the need of these final sermons varies from church to church. Often before the "in view of a call" Sunday, I have preached on Samuel's going to annoint David with an emphasis on what God sees in a person compared to what we often focus upon. Like others have commented, after he is called, preaching on the role and function of the church is good. I have usually included one message just on how to welcome a new pastor and his family into the fellowship. Paul has a lot to say about receiving people that he sent to various churches.

How about something about challenging them to outwitness, out serve, and out-reach the pastor in winning their community to Christ.

First post, but I have followed the blog for a while. What about the intersection between God's sovereignty and the call of a new pastor, and what God is going to accomplish? Acts 17:26-27 ties these themes together well. Just a thought, please take it for what it's worth (coming from a lawyer, not a pastor).

I would encourage you to use Paul's address to the Ephesians somewhere as you close out your ministry...finishing well...I would think a series of messages on How A Church Makes A Pastor Great from 1 and 2 Timothy might help during the transition (I haven't read any of the other comments, so forgive me if I'm repititive.

Figure out how many Sundays you have left and then ask yourself this question. If I only had (however many) chances to speak to this particular group of people what would God have me to say? Then you will have your answer.

Ed,

I can only suggest a topic that God has impressed upon me much lately, and that is the view of church as a family. Is the next leader of this church someone who can maintain and develop the church as a family? (That's rhetorical, btw ;-).) Perhaps follow with Biblical concepts of church as a spiritual family, and the roles of various people/positions in the family.

I attend a baptist church with about 1500 members. We have been through the pastoral search a few times over the years, and one theme that seems to repeat is "Love and Change."

People are often resistant to change, and are often most vocal about it when it involves their church. Perhaps reminding people that change is good, and to pray for both the outgoing and incoming leadership would be a good addition to a message.

That usually leads to messages on servant leadership and on sacrificial love. We are reminded to love each other, serve each other, and to continue to reach out to the community and love people ourselves, rather than expect the pastoral staff to do all that themselves.

I know this church has been very blessed to have you serve there; God will show you what they need to hear, even if it's a difficult topic series that you haven't felt led to share yet. I have prayed that God would give you the widsom you ask for in choosing your last messages - that HIS message would be heard there, because you want to please Him. Can't wait to hear what the Lord has in mind for you next!

Hey Ed,

I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts on the congregational leadership model. I grew up in an SBC church that was (and is) totally handicapped by that model. It's a model I don't find as a prescriptive, healthy option in the Bible... and yes I have one :).

The friends I have that serve in SBC churches in this area almost all experience the same drawbacks with that model. If it were clearly a Biblical mandate, I would understand. But, since it doesn't appear to be, it seems like the only way it really works is when great leaders "make it work" by tweaking it. It seems more like a burden than anything else.

It would be great to hear your perspective, especially since SBC churches implement various models.

Ed,

Thanks for your ministry and blog.

How about a message on "How to be the kind of church your pastor and his family will love" or something similar that preps them to be a great church?

This morning I posted some comments your readers may enjoy regarding 5 keys to sharing a vision that resonates with your church at Ministry Marketing Coach.

Ed;

As a member of the church where you are 'interim-ing', I think message(s) that tie the past to the present to the future would be appropriate. In our limited way of thinking (thru a glass darkly), we see the ministry of Pastor #1, then Pastor #2, 3, etc. God doesn't see it that way, IMO. He sees the whole of time in a continuous thread that stretches from eternity to eternity. When Moses was dying and gave his last words to the children of Israel, he challenged them to remember the past, live in the present, look to God for the future.

And by the way, you have done a tremendous job as interim. What a blessing you have been 'for such a time as this'. Thanks for your selfless service.

Thanks for inviting feedback Ed.

The tale end of Deuteronomy and the beginning of Joshua talk a lot about the "changing of the guard".

Sounds like something that would edify all involved.

Love ya brother.

I'm with Scott, I don't know him but you do and he seems to have the pulse of the church. Great ideas on his part.
next week - a pastor is a gift from God. Following weeks, Characteristics a pastor can appreciate in a church.

Ed, it was great to see you at the SBC, even from a distance! In response to your question about what to preach on this Sunday before the prospective pastor comes; I would suggest a sermon on the importance of the church being lead by the Spirit of God (Eph. 5:18). You might even consider, John 16:13, and talk about how the Holy Spirit guides us and helps us in making decisions. For the remaining sermons, how about preaching on the importance of the church praying for their pastor and his family, the importance of the church loving their pastor and his family, the church ministering to their pastor and his family, and the importance of the church supporting/following the leadership of their family. Just some ideas I would be praying through if I were in your shoes. Tim

My professor, Dr. Douglas Stuart told us recently that he often preaches at "installment" services when a new pastor is hired. He said he likes to preach about Ezra. In a time when their city was in economic ruin and the people were under political pressure, God didn't send a king or an economic adviser or a doctor, etc. He sent a priest. He sent someone to be a spiritual guide to the people. Over in Nehemiah 8 there's a great passage of Ezra and Nehemiah reading the law (because the people wanted it) and then explicating it. The people respond in tears but Ezra tells them to rejoice. Anyway, it is a pretty good story for such an occasion with a lot of applicability to a congregation expecting a new pastor.

Think along the lines of what you would want an interim to say before you arrive to take the helm. You know better than him (because you have been there for some time & know the people) what the greatest needs are in the church.

I know when I accepted the call to the church I am now pastoring, it would have been refreshing to walk into a "prepared" office. What I mean is, many pastors do not prepare their churches for the next guy.

I guess I am not giving you suggestions on what to preach, but maybe some things to think about. Maybe emphasize the importance of praying for your pastor, for his wife and children. Encouraging your pastor and walking along side him as he serves the community of believers. Many churches are not encouraged to do these things, and what happens is they have many expectations and demands of the new guy, but are not willing to get to know him and serve along side him.

I don't know just some thoughts...