I’ve had the privilege of pastoring three wonderful churches, and I still visit them on rare occasions to preach, perform weddings and funerals, or just to worship while in town. A few months ago I preached at one of those churches and told them I felt like a “grandpastor.” Since grandparents enjoy all of the benefits of parenting, without any of the responsibilities, this term seemed to fit our new relationship. Grandpastoring is the ultimate payoff for pastors who finish strong, and I’m enjoying it immensely. Let me make four suggestions on how to become a good grandpastor.
1. Stop Pastoring Them
Parenting and pastoring have two things in common: Both jobs are really hard; and I have retired from both. Some of you winced at the thought of retiring from parenting. Others smiled. Although we will never stop being parents, Janet and I have formally stopped parenting because we don’t think parenting adults is healthy for them or us.
Some pastors hang on too long to their churches after they leave them, which is not healthy for those members or for you. Good grandpastors help these former members by refusing to lead them from the shadows while their current pastor stands helplessly in yours.
2. Keep Encouraging Them
On special occasions, it is appropriate to send a note of consolation or congratulations to both former members and current pastors. My childhood pastor encouraged me recently with this email…
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