When Should Leaders Leave

Matthew 10:5, 11-14 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions... "Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town."

The way we leave is part of how we strive to imitate Christ.

One of the most difficult times in a leader's life is the day that he or she begins to feel the need to change jobs or attend a different church. If you have experienced this personally, you can testify to how hard it was for you and your family. Generally, the days leading up to that first day, the day when you have the first inkling of a thought about leaving, have already delivered a level of stress. Add this stress to the thought of separation from friends and co-workers, and you can find yourself in a deep pit of depression and loneliness.

There is no doubt that the Bible instructs us to persevere. The word "persevere" implies that you will experience many forms of stress. This stress comes because living the Christian life is not easy, and God calls us to be strong and to practice great endurance.

Does God Condone Our Stress?

However, this exhortation would be incomplete without a picture of what God really wants for us. Does He want us to have a life of stress and trouble? If you’ve been doubting this, just look to the book of Ecclesiastes. In this scripture, which is most likely Solomon's public debate with himself about the meaning and purpose of life, He concludes with God's purpose for us: to fear God and obey His commands. In fact, Solomon notes that “this is the whole duty of man.” In addition, he repeats three times in this book how joy and contentment work together, and how that coalition is expressed in our lives.

One of these verses is Ecclesiastes 5:18 (TNIV version):

Changing jobs can lead to other stressful life circumstances.

“This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for people to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them-for this is their lot.”

The word “toilsome” implies the need for perseverance while “satisfaction” represents joy. This ecclesiastical duty of man is a great foundation to use when determining whether or not to “move on.” In addition, a closer look at our earlier scripture reference from Matthew gives us some specific clues regarding how and when a leader should consider leaving. (Please keep in mind that this article is for advanced Christian Leaders who, by God's grace, have confidence of a kingdom purpose for their lives). From my experience and study of scripture, I believe we can pinpoint four steps in this process of “leaving” that come from Jesus himself as He instructed his disciples.
 
Four Steps to Leaving From Jesus’ Example

Be sure you have the authority to do and say what you say and do. Jesus begins this chapter in Matthew by giving his disciples the power and authority to preach and heal. He tells them to take no money, for he wants them to depend on those they minister to for care. Even in the midst of stress, you need to make sure that God has granted you the authority to do what you are doing or want to do. If there are any doubts, start over.
 
Make sure your work, message, and/or ministry conform to Scripture and have a history of bearing fruit. Don't be so impressed with yourself that you think your work and/or message is good in and of itself. Look at the fruit of your work and/or message. Make sure that fruit is good.
 
You should leave when you are sure no that one is listening anymore. Jesus did not expect his disciples to stay and preach to a brick wall. If no one listens, Christ tells us that it is time to leave. In this case, it is time to fulfill your kingdom purpose elsewhere.
 
When you go, go quietly and go professionally. Our exits must reflect the "innocence" of Christ, so go like a "dove.” If you leave your church, make sure you don't cause disruption. If you leave your work, comply with any commitments or promises you made when you arrived before you walk out the door.
 
Friends, moving on is very hard. When must you go? I cannot tell you. However, a short summary of leaving wisdom would include the following:
 
Seek out God's word and purpose for your life.
 
Persevere as long as you can.
 
Leave when you know it is a must.
 
I hope you find satisfaction in your toil whether or not you must leave.

Photo courtesy of WoodleyWonderWorks.