I would go to church if I were not a pastor, because I would still be a Christian if I were not a pastor. And to be a Christian is to be a participating member of the local church.

As leaders, what we think about the church theologically leads to how our church operates practically, but it happens in reverse for our students. As they see how the church functions practically, they develop their own theology of the church, their own ecclesiology. 

There are lots of factors you need to consider: theology, style of worship, philosophy of ministry, location, etc.. I want to draw attention to one factor that you should pay attention to. Is the leadership humble?

I am deeply grieved by the loss of once highly esteemed leaders. As I consider this heartbreaking reality in today’s church culture, I cannot help but think that God is trying to teach his people a valuable lesson.

What happens when the ones united to you in Christ—who share the same Holy Spirit as you—are the ones who inflict the deepest wounds?

While leaders do need your advice, they moreso need our encouragement, our consideration, our benefit of the doubt.

Amidst the challenges of ministry in a transient area, God gives some particular blessings. Pastors in a transient area get to anticipate who God will send and raise up for ministry. Pastors in a transient area also develop a love for some of the attributes of God which might be more easily assumed in stable environments.