When I asked if he was happy, the pastor sighed, No, but at least I have a job and can support my family. I saw a chilling preview of what this pastor might be like at the end of his career when an older pastor told me, I feel as though my entire life has been a waste. If I had it to do all over again, I would never choose to spend my productive years ministering in my small congregation. Get out and move on while you can, Steve. It s too late for me now.
Pastors nearing retirement tend to be consigned back into small churches.
Yet I also know a minister who felt differently when he retired from a lifetime of pastoring small congregations. He looked back on his years of service with gratitude, particularly the eighteen years with his last church. This pastor blessed the Lord that he had made him worthy to shepherd the dear people the pastor was leaving behind. He marveled that the church had been changed through his ministry. The lay leadership had caught his vision and pledged themselves to continue the programs he had started.