What a Minister Loses in a Forced Termination
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There are many things that could be added to any list of things that a pastor and his family loses in a forced termination. These changes happen literally overnight. There are few vocations in life that causes the loss of so much by a termination.
Rather than spend a lot of time talking about them I thought I would just make a list. You are invited to add to it by email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . There is no attempt to place them in order of priority.
- Their place to worship
- Their peace of mind
- Their position of authority and power
- Their Ministry
- Their Job/work/vocation
- Their dignity
- Their income
- Their friends
- Their support group
- Some lose their purpose for living
- Usually, their house
- Usually, the city they are living in as they move
- Various personal activities and functions
- Their children lose their school, teacher, and friends
- Their trust in people
- Sometimes, their trust in God
- Their sense of direction in life
- Their sense of security
- Their sense of identity
- Their sense of self confidence
- Often, the security of their marriage. Marriage problems may arise under extreme stress.
- Their health
- The emotional stability in the whole family
- Their self worth
- Their self esteem
- Their relationship with the community
- Their goals in life
- Often, their means of transportation
- Often, their health insurance
- Sometimes, their retirement funds
- Their freedom
If churches and church leaders would take the time to consider what they are doing their shepherds in dismissing them, I wonder if they would be so cavalier about their decision.