Ah! The myth of greener grass! Many pastors seem to be constantly on the move, searching for that ideal congregation and that opportunity for more peaceful service. There exists the potential for a pastor to fall into a vicious cycle.
The cycle begins when a pastor begins his work with a new or different ministry. He develops ideas, plans, and goals for the ministry. Then he meets resistance upon presenting these new ideas to the congregation. The resistance leads to his discouragement and to his quitting mentally. Ultimately, he ends up looking for a new opportunity. It seems that some interpret resistance as a sign to move on.
Because of the weakness of the flesh, it is not unusual to want to run from difficulty. Some can't bear the thought of confrontation. Leaving an unpleasant situation seems to be the logical answer. If that becomes a pastor's regular response to trouble, then it would be better for him not to unpack all of his boxes.
You can't read far in the Bible before you realize that such a response to adversity would have kept many biblical heroes from accomplishing the tasks assigned to them by God. In fact, given our Enemy, we seldom accomplish anything worthwhile without enduring a great deal of opposition, sometimes without seeing outward results.
In considering whether or not it is time to go, keep several important facts in mind.
1. God determines the place of one's service and the time of its duration. Remember Paul's dilemma in Acts 16. He had plans for places of service that were not within the will of God. During this redirection process God clearly turned Paul away from his own path to the path of God's choosing. We need to realize that the aspects of service must be determined within the will of God.
2. Resistance doesn't always indicate a need for a change of venue. Resistance to new ideas surfaces even among the best of God's people. Sometimes a church may resist spiritual growth and development because of carnal attitudes, false doctrines, or unbiblical philosophies held by members of the congregation. According to II Timothy 2:23-26, these attitudes can be corrected only by patient instruction over a period of time. When the pastor chooses to run from confrontation, the people are left captive to their error.
