Praying in our Transition
by Pastor David

Desperate Christian people pray. In light of our pursuit of another pastor for preaching, I thought I’d share some very practical prayer suggestions from a book that I’ve been reading lately called When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search:

1. Pray for the elders.

•  
  • Pray for patience: that the team would wait for God’s timing.
  • Pray that they would have the mind of Christ and agree: much of the process is subjective. Personal opinions and preferences are involved. Differences can divide. Ask that they would heed Paul’s advice for unity, having the humble attitude of Jesus Christ. It is so easy for us consciously--or more often, unconsciously--to bring our own agendas into church business.
  • Pray for wisdom to choose the right person: Pray that the elders will renew their minds in the Bible so that they can have Word-centered wisdom.
  • Pray for discipline for the elders: The search process will require a great deal of follow-through on the parts of individuals. It will also require that they not digress from the agenda or retrace decisions they have already made.

2.    Pray for your next pastor.

•  
  • Pray that God would increase his passion for preaching the Word of God.
  • Pray that God would give him a love for your church and strength to leave his current position.
  • Pray that your next pastor would begin new relationships at your church right away, even during the search process.
  • Pray that God would prepare your future pastor to shepherd your flock more effectively through the trials or blessings he currently faces.
  • Pray for your next pastor’s family.

3.     Pray for the people in your church.

•  
  • Pray for patience: The search process can go on longer than expected. It is hard for people doing the work of searching. It is also difficult for those in the congregation who must wait without knowing exactly what is going on. Pray that your church would trust the leadership and uphold each other during the whole process.
  • Pray that your church would learn to place a high priority on biblical preaching: It is easy to gravitate toward personality, programs, a particular “ideal” age, etc. Pray that, above all, the next pastor will proclaim the Word without apology.
  • Pray that your church would not react to a previous pastor: Some churches struggle with wanting a pastor who is like their old one (they had a good experience). Other churches want someone who is just the opposite.

                                Chris Brauns, pp. 29-31

I hope these suggestions from Chris encourage and motivate you to fervent prayer.