00061

Loren Mead says in this regard:

Saying “good-bye” is terribly important; too many pastors are self-centered at this point, refusing to let people have parties and occasions for saying good-bye, acting as if the celebrations were for the person of the departing pastor. No way. They are important moments for potential ministry on the part of pastors who are leaving, moments that may make the difference between freeing people for the future or tying them to one’s apron string for years to come (Loren B. Mead, Critical Moment of Ministry: A Change of Pastors, Washington, D.C.: Alban Institute, 1986, 72).