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Length of a Pastorate

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Dr. Bob, Nov 16, 2022.

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  1. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    Since Pastoral forum gets very little traffic and this is for ALL church members, I'm initially asking about length of pastorates. Surely will raise other spin-off questions down the road.

    1) How long has the pastor served in the church you attend? (If any Pastor wants to share personal story of previous ministries, this could add insight to the discussion)

    2) How long do you think a pastor should ideally serve a church? (NOT looking for "until God moves him on" answers, but actual time frame for MINIMUM and MAXIMUM years YOU think is ideal)
     
    #1 Dr. Bob, Nov 16, 2022
  2. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    #2 Dr. Bob, Nov 16, 2022
  3. Marooncat79

    Marooncat79 Well-Known Member
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    In one county I grew up in pastors lasted 2 yrs exactly

    they were then voted out and sent packing

    anything over was “too long” per the churches in that Association

    not sure how it is now
     
    #3 Marooncat79, Nov 16, 2022
  4. xlsdraw

    xlsdraw Active Member

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    Our pastor went 50 years. Then he became Pastor Emeritus for coming up on 2 years so far.

    He recommended, as his successor, an Assistant Pastor that had went through our Bible College and then served five years or so as his Assistant Pastor. The church did choose the Assistant Pastor and the transition went smoothly.
     
    #4 xlsdraw, Nov 16, 2022
  5. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    My first pastor was the founding missionary pastor -
    He was at our church about 4 years - left to plant another church
    Second pastor was there about 4 years -was growing the church
    then left to do the same at another small church.
    Third pastor - was there about 4 or 5 years (left after I joined the army)
    to become the State Rep of the Empire State Bap Fellowship of Reg Bap
    (after a few years, he became the President of Baptist Bible College, Clarks Summit.

    After joining the army was member of several churches in Germany, they usually stayed 3-5 years
    then went back stateside.

    I have been pastor for 3 years at my current church -
    at my age, I would like to step down in the next 5-7 years.
     
    #5 Salty, Nov 16, 2022
  6. unprofitable

    unprofitable Active Member

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    If the Lord is willing, til death do us part.
     
    #6 unprofitable, Dec 3, 2022
  7. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    I've attended churches where the pastor moved on about every 10 years. Most churches I've attended they stayed much longer, until they retired (then they attended as a member and filled in when churches were in need).
     
    #7 JonC, Dec 3, 2022
    • Agree Agree x 1
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