Litany of Farewell

An Order of Farewell to a Pastor

Pastor Charles: 

I thank you, the members and friends of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, for the love and support you have shown me while I have ministered among you.

I am grateful for the ways my leadership has been accepted.

I ask forgiveness for the mistakes I have made.

As I leave, I carry with me all that I have learned here.

Congregation: 

We receive your thankfulness, offer forgiveness, 

and accept that you now leave to minister elsewhere.

We express our gratitude for your time among us.

We ask your forgiveness for our mistakes.

Your influence on our faith and faithfulness will not leave 

with your departure.

Pastor Charles: 

I accept your gratitude and forgiveness, and I forgive you, trusting that our time together and our parting are pleasing to God.

I release you from turning to me and depending on me.

I encourage your continuing ministry here and will pray for you and 

for your new pastor. 

Let us pray. 

All: 

Eternal God, whose steadfast love for us is from everlasting to everlasting, we give You thanks for cherished memories and commend one another into Your care as we move in new directions. Keep us one in Your love forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

“An Order of Farewell to a Pastor or Deacon,” ©1992 UMPH, alt. 2015 by Discipleship Ministries.