Short-timer’s syndrome, according to one online definition is “a psychological and behavioral state where a person loses motivation, focus, or emotional investment in their current role as their departure date approaches.”
Short-timer’s syndrome can be the malady of a pastor or ministry leader as one prepares to transition to a new role, or as retirement day draws near.
When ministry leaders fall prey to short-timers syndrome they may become lazy in their work, underperform, stop caring about their contribution, speak unfiltered on a variety of issues, develop a bad attitude, become cynical about the church or ministry and more.
None of these practices honor Jesus, and all of them must be avoided by pastors, elders and ministry leaders who hope to finish well.
How can ministry leaders in transition from one assignment to the next, or into retirement, fight against short-timer’s syndrome and stay faithful to the end?
1. Confess your challenge to a friend: James reminds us in James 5:16 of the need for a Christian friend when we are facing great challenges. He writes, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” A ministry colleague says, obviously tongue in cheek, that all of us in ministry leadership need a “cussing buddy.” He means that we each need someone who we can tell what we are going through, and they will not judge us but instead be a James 5:16 friend to us.
2. Bring your struggle to the Lord: Even more important than a Christian friend is our relationship with Jesus. If the Lord calls us away from an assignment, He will want also us to finish well. Ask God to help you as you transition. Psalm 23 reminds us that we are led by a Shepherd who cares for us. Jesus will help us remain focused on the assignment He gives us until it is completed.
3. Ask for grace to finish well: Colossians 3:23 reminds us how to approach our work: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” To do our work “heartily” means that our heart is in it. We work faithfully, remembering who we are serving. To finish well in any ministry assignment requires that we look to Jesus in faith and receive from Him the grace we need to carry out His will.
4. Set goals for your remaining time in the role: The greatest remedy for short-timers syndrome, especially for those who are nearing retirement, is to have focused goals we hope to accomplish before departing from the church or ministry. These goals can help us keep from drifting into laxness and stay faithful in our work until it is accomplished. Pastors and ministry leaders who pursue Christ-honoring goals are more likely to remain productive and effective until the last day in their ministry assignment.
5. Finish any unfinished projects: Every ministry leader is an interim, and each of us should strive to leave our place of service better than we found it and in good shape for the next person who will step into the role. To do that may mean we need to solve some thorny problems and finish unfinished projects. As you begin to transition, start asking how you can provide a great start for the one who will follow you.
6. Speak well of the ministry or organization as you are able: I remember when Bob Russell, longtime senior minister at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, retired from his time with the church. Bob, in his final message, was kind, gracious and encouraging and made it crystal clear that he did not have any axes to grind with the congregation or anyone in leadership in the church. He modeled how to leave an organization well when the time comes. Of course there are challenges in every ministry calling, but as much as we are able it is good when we can leave a place on a good note.
Pastoral ministry, and Christian ministry leadership in general, is a privilege God gives to those whom He calls, but it is not a right. God in His great kindness has saved us and given us meaningful work to do. May we be empowered and encouraged to serve Him faithfully until our last day in a ministry setting.
