Often when someone leaves the employment of a church they say “I want to leave well.” But what does it look like to leave well? How exactly do you "EXIT WITH CLASS?" Here are 6 things you need to know when the Lord calls you to leave the church and team you serve:
How You Leave Says A Lot More About You
Than It Will Ever Say About The Church
Let The Church Be In The Driver's Seat.
Until you leave and cash your last check the church is your employer. From a spiritual standpoint, you are spiritually accountable to the church and church leaders. In most cases, discussion and negotiation done in love and with the right attitude are welcome, but the church has the last word on how the transition should go. Presumably you submitted to church leadership in the good times, submit to that leadership in your time of transition as well.
No Communication Plan? Ask For One.
Often the church and the employee will work out a communication plan… in other words, to whom, by whom, in what order, and in what detail will this departure / transition be communicated? Recieve that plan from the church or work with the church to arrive at a plan together. Put it in writing and be as specific as possible.
Follow The Communication Plan.
Once the communication plan is established and agreed on -- follow it in detail. If you are making an announcement about your departure to a group or to individuals, say what you’ve agreed to say. If you want to exit with class, don't make the announcement or have the discussion in a half-hearted way. Your words can say one thing while your eye roll or body language can communicate something completely different. Exiting with class means communicating with class.
Remember Everyone Doesn’t Need To Know Everything.
We always want to tell our side of the story. That's only natural, but it's not necessary. Obviously a spouse or a close friend or family member may be your confidant during times of transition, (even under the best of circumstances) but there’s no need for everyone to know everything. There will always be people hungry for the “scoop” - they will press hard for “the real or rest of the story.” Stay strong. When we tell “our side” we are interested in our glory. Instead ask yourself and ask the Lord how you can best glorify God in the situation.
When You Take The High Road You Honor God And His Church
No church is perfect, but the church is the bride of Christ. When someone tears down the church and her leaders it dishonors Jesus. It can be damaging and distracting to seasoned and new believers alike. If you’ve been treated in an immoral or illegal way, that’s one thing. But apart from such a scenario, take the high road. You’ll be glad you did in the long run. Let God be your defender. Let God discipline the church or church leaders if He sees fit to do so. Allow your love for the Lord’s church (as flawed as she may be) to override your desire to be heard, right, or vindicated. Talking through issues with leaders is okay - you always have the biblical freedom to follow Matthew 18. Beyond that, take the high road.
6. Help The Church, Staff and Whoever May Fill Your Role, Be As Successful As Possible.
Be eager to write up details on important tasks you perform. Leave instructions and helpful information for those who will be performing some of your duties when you leave. Think through things you do, coordinate, oversee or take care of that others may not be aware of and make notes for others so they don’t miss something important. Make a list of codes, passwords, etc that may be helpful. Make sure you hand off keys, entry cards, credit cards, electronics and other church property to the proper people. Leave your workspace clean and neat. Remove your personal belongings during off hours rather than parading out in front of other staff.
As difficult as departures can be, there will be a day when the emotions will fade,
When the blessings of that previous place and role will be more prominent in
your memory the any negativity. When you get on the "other side of
your exit," you will be grateful you took the high road, honored God and
decided to exit with class.
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