Length of pastor’s service in congregation

There is no set time or recommended time for a called worker’s length of service in a particular congregation. Studies and surveys that I found indicated that 18 years of service in a congregation is longer than the average.

It goes without saying that there can be blessings and challenges for a pastor to serve many years in the same congregation. Some of the positives are that the pastor knows the membership well, he can become a trusted friend on whom members rely, and he provides steady leadership when there might be regular changes in lay leadership. Some of the challenges are that the pastor can be tempted to become complacent and lax in carrying out the duties and privileges of his call, he might think of the congregation as “my church,” and congregational members might prove the adage that “familiarity breeds contempt.”

“How long should a pastor stay in one place?” Because of the doctrine of the call and the practice we have in our church body, pastors are not able to answer that question on their own. What I mean is that some pastors might be serving for many years in the same congregation because they have not, for many different reasons, received a call that would have them think of serving elsewhere. Or, perhaps they did receive a call to serve elsewhere and they declined the call after prayerful deliberation.

A change in ministry can be good for the called worker and the congregations involved when there are good reasons for that change, but change for the sake of change is ill-advised.

The person who would benefit from comments about sermons is the pastor who preaches them. I encourage you to share your thoughts, comments and concerns with your pastor. And, remember him in your prayers.