Former Church

Q: When a pastor leaves a church, what should be his relationship with that church afterward? Does it matter if he was forced out of the church?

A: The answer lies in the heart of that pastor. Did the shepherd really love the sheep? If so, I think it would be impossible for him to write them off and just stop caring. And I don't believe it would matter why he left that church.

Typically pastors leave churches for one of three (3) reasons. (1) They decide to take another job elsewhere or decide to retire. (2) They have fallen in some sinful way and have lost the confidence of the elders/deacons. (3) They have somehow gotten cross-wise with the elders/deacons and were forced out because of philosophical reasons.

But like I said, I don't believe the reason for the departure should change the pastor's demeanor towards the church he used to pastor. He's still a shepherd, called to lead and love God's people. He may have some forgiving to do, but he should always be ready to continue shepherding God's people wherever they are.

A good example might be the Apostle Paul, who was ministering in Thessalonica. He was forced to leave. But look at the letters he wrote to the Thessalonians and the church at Thessalonica. They were filled with encouragement and exhortation. I believe they are a good example of a proper shepherd's heart toward the sheep he used to lead.