According to sociologist and author George Barna (cf.
Revolution) roughly one million people are
leaving the organized or institutional Church every
year. In a profound statement he claims that these folks
are leaving the church to save their faith. Among those
exiting the church are also hundreds of pastors leaving
their formal ministries and many others contemplating
the possibility. Unfortunately, for these pastors or
ex-pastors the move out of their traditional roles often
proves personally challenging.
Many of you reading this know the professional and
personal upheaval, even emotional trauma, involved in
this experience. The consequences of the decision to
leave the church can include a deep sense of loss,
confused identity issues, questions about "sense of
calling", lack of direction and purpose, and sometimes
even severe crises of faith.
We at Dawn Treader Leadership Coaching know from
personal experience back in 2000, the difficult
consequences involved in leaving the church
establishment. As a result we have a particular interest
in helping ex-pastors, and those contemplating "the
move" find their answers to the "what’s next" questions.
If you are in this situation please
contact us to
determine how we can be an encouragement to you in your
changing life.
We also work with groups across the country
interested in learning about simple church. You can find
more information at
www.housechurchresource.org.