THE BACKGROUND TO THESE GUIDELINES

B.05.03COMMITTEE ON MINISTRYSEPARATION ETHICSTHE BACKGROUND TO THESE GUIDELINESThe pastoral relationship is very important, often deeply personal, and, in some cases, lifesaving to peoplein a congregation. This relationship develops through study, teaching, preaching, administering thesacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, weddings, funerals, presence in crises, and praying with andfor members of the congregation. With the leadership of a congregation and particularly with the elders,the pastor works to encourage the people in the worship and service of God, equipping them for their taskswithin the church and their mission in the world. In all of these dimensions of the pastoral relationshipthere are elements of trust, confidence, admiration, affection, fondness, caring, and love.The ending of the pastoral relationship is often a trying and traumatic experience for both the pastor andthe members of a congregation. It always means change for the life of the pastor involved and thecongregation. Therefore, in the light of our Book of Order and the best of our traditions, the followingguidelines represent what the departing pastor and the congregation will want to do as they face thesituation of pastor and congregation saying “Goodbye.”1I. THE GUIDELINESA. SAYING GOODBYEThe need to say goodbye to a congregation occurs for one of several reasons. A pastor may receivea call to another field of service. A pastor may decide to retire. A ...