Everything that is thrilling about coming to your church is matched by something sad about leaving his former church. Ending a ministry is like a death in the family. Your new pastor will arrive fresh from trying to convince good people why God is calling him to a new place, fresh from watching them weep tears he knows his decision has produced, stung by the anger of a few who do not yet accept or understand it. He is replacing the comfort of the familiar with the anxiety of the unknown. It has all the markings of grief, so be aware that he could not arrive here without leaving there.
Nothing is more encouraging than full pews or more discouraging than empty ones.
A pastor's enthusiasm feeds off the energy of the congregation, and vice-versa. Your presence is a vital ingredient of the synergy you hope to build. When you have a complaint, tell the pastor directly. In a congregation of 1,000 members, usually the pastor is about the 431st person to learn that someone is upset about something he said or did, or failed to do or say. Generally a dissatisfied member has already told most of the Sunday school class, his deacon family, hairstylist at the salon, golf buddies at the club, custodian at the office and anyone who stopped off at last Saturday's yard sale.