In the case of Second Church, a series of ten-year pastorates brought stability and stages of steady growth. Third church also grew, but under the care of one dynamic pastor. For over twenty-five years, this beloved shepherd preached and healed, cared and laughed. The church started in his living room. It grew with his expanding vision.
Most pastors can master a certain church size or type and lead for a chapter.
Unlike most, this pastoral fixture was a man for all stages. He grew up with the church, adapting and flexing and leading all the way. He was there from the start and became the sage, the keeper and teller of church lore. Without him the church wasn't. Pastor's retirement socked Third Church in the belly.