Monday, July 9, 2018
Hey Fletch … My boss wants me out. She came into my office last week and essentially said “You are done here.” What should I do?
DRF—Often there is a substantial backstory that builds up to that climactic statement. Sometimes it comes out of thin air. Either way, your relationship with your boss is severely damaged, probably beyond repair.
As you think through the last few months, consider what you have done to be out of step with your boss. Has your ministry gone in a different direction than the church’s vision statement? Have there been disgruntled people or unresolved issues? Have your words or actions been or appeared to be insubordinate?
On the other side of the coin, your church may desire to go in a different direction. The vision may have changed and your area of ministry may be considered passé. Your boss may want someone with a different style or temperament in your role.
Support staff need due process to fulfill the legal requirements of termination. Unfortunately for pastors, there are few, if any, legal requirements to be let go. Consult your church’s employee manual to see if there are policy requirements for pastoral termination.
I hurt with you and your pain in losing a good ministry. However, consider that God is bigger than people and locations. This may be God’s way of freeing you to be in a church where you are appreciated.
