Presbytery Policies at a Pastor's Departure

Presbytery Policy for Pastors and Churches Concluding a Pastoral Relationship

As we come to the end of JP’s time at RPC and look toward the end of John Miller’s time here later this year, the Session wants the congregation to be aware of the Presbytery policy around ongoing relations between the church and a former pastor.  This policy, designed for the health of the new pastoral relationship, was discussed and affirmed at the May meeting of Session.

“When a pastoral position with a congregation ends, there are bonds of affection between the minister and members of the church that continue to be cherished. Relations of friendship continue, but the pastoral relationship does not. In order to avoid awkward situations and to encourage the new pastoral relationship that will be established, it shall be the policy of Hudson River Presbytery to require the following statement to be placed in the newsletter and/or bulletin when the pastor announces his/her plan to retire or move:

   ‘When a pastor resigns from a pastorate, retires from service, or becomes Pastor Emerita/us, that minister shall no longer perform pastoral functions such as weddings, baptisms, funerals, hospital visitation or counseling. Active or inactive church members should not request a former pastor to perform pastoral duties. If requested, the pastor shall tactfully decline. On occasion, the pastor or moderator may, with the approval of the Session, invite the former pastor to perform such duties.’

   In addition, there shall be no more visits of a pastoral nature after the effective date of dissolution of the pastorate, nor shall there be visits to the worship service on the part of the now

“Former pastor,” especially if the pastor continues to live or work within commuting distance from the dissolved relationship.

    When a former pastor moves from the community, it is a professional courtesy for the previous pastor to notify the new pastor, when he/she is visiting in the area. Caution is advised with regard to frequent visiting of friends in an old parish. And always it is expected that the former pastor will refrain from engaging in conversations or communications about matters of church business or evaluations of new staff.”