Five Questions to Ask at the Two-Year Mark in Your Tenure

I am in the third year of serving as lead pastor at West Bradenton. Thankfully, my first two years were more joy than angst, defined by encouragement and not disillusion. But even in a healthy church, the third year can bring frustration—for both pastor and congregation.

In the first year, the congregation tends to project certain qualities onto the pastor. “He kinda sounds like my pastor from my hometown. I liked him growing up, so maybe they will be similar.” Inevitably, people figure out the new pastor has little in common with their initial projections. By the third year, the vast majority of the congregation is done projecting. People now know the pastor. A shuffling occurs. Some enter the church with excitement because they like the new direction. Others exit with disappointment because the new pastor does not meet their initial projections.

It’s important to note that projections are slightly different than expectations. Projections are the amalgamation of previous perceptions of other individuals cast onto a new person. For example, when you are the new pastor, people will think you look like a previous pastor, talk like another pastor, and lead like the pastor at the church down the road. It’s a common occurrence that is more unconscious than conscious. People in the church inevitably create a picture of you before they even know you. Read More