THE QUESTIONS (ANSWER THESE FIRST BEFORE CONSIDERING LEAVING)
1. Am I living in sin? (I will have a total lack of objectivity about all important things if so. Get that fixed and then consider leaving.)
2. Have I alienated my people with unwise preaching, counseling, activity? (That may cause me to go, but I must be sure I cannot correct it by staying, which is usually the Savior’s method.)
3. Am I simply tired? (Again, fatigue may be so deep and persistent that I must leave, but that must never be the primary consideration. Lincoln, toward the end, told Mary about a “tired place” inside him that “nothing will touch.” But we’re glad he stayed!)
4. Honestly, will the flock be better off with me present or absent?
5. The biggee: Has God either told me (a) I MAY go, or (b) I MUST go? or ( c) I MUST NOT GO! (He doesn’t always demand that we go, but if not, may allow us to do so.)
B. SIGNS THAT IT’S TIME TO GO (BUT, THESE ARE NOT INFALLIBLE)
1. I have lost my congregational and/or staff leadership.
2. I have lost sight of my vision and attendant goals for my ministry here.
3. I have lost my moral capital and there is no likelihood that I can regain it. (Once lost, it is very, very rare to regain it.)
4. I am persistently tired—in body, mind, spirit, soul; no joy in ministry or life.
5. I am risking losing my family by staying.
6. I have lost my love for my flock and consistently—long term—believe I have nothing else to say to them. I don’t “hear the trumpets” on Sunday morning any more. The well is deep and I have nothing to draw with! (Operative words are “consistently,” and “long-term.” If you’re not tired at times, you’re probably backslidden.)
7. My most spiritually-mature people believe it’s time for me to go.
8. God has either given me permission or a mandate to go.