Jon Hawkins

May 11, 2024 | thegospelcoalition.org | Tim Keller |Edmund P. Clowney |Jon Hawkins |Gaye Clark

If you’re a pastor stepping into a new church, it’s prudent to commit to patiently stay for at least five years. Earning trust from a congregation can take longer, and admittedly there are countless factors to consider. There are unique situations I may counsel differently, but in general, I don’t believe a pastor’s initial commitment to a church should be for less than a half-decade. Why? It takes time for a congregation to adapt to you as their pastor, for them to see your love.