October 1, 2026
When a church stands at the threshold of a new beginning, the transition between pastors can bring a mix of uncertainty and hope. Yet such seasons can become times of remarkable spiritual health. A congregation need not wait for its next shepherd to remain strong and faithful. In fact, preparing to receive a new pastor begins long before he arrives—by cultivating the kind of church every godly shepherd prays to serve.
What, then, would a new pastor most hope to find? The answer is both simple and profound: a church marked by love for one another, unity in doctrine and life, and earnest prayer—a church devoted to Christ in word and deed.
1. A Church That Loves One Another
Jesus' words in John 13:34–35 are as clear now as they were in the upper room:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34–35, ESV)
Love within the church is not superficial politeness or a fleeting emotion. Scripture defines it as patient, sacrificial, forgiving, and practical. Ephesians 4:25–32 paints a picture of daily love in action: speaking truthfully, putting away sinful anger, building each other up, banishing bitterness, and practicing kindness and forgiveness.
A new pastor would be deeply encouraged to find a congregation where members speak kindly, forgive quickly, serve gladly, and care for one another—across differences in preferences, age, and background. Such love fosters a church culture that strengthens its leaders rather than draining them. Where love abounds, there is kindness, humility, peace, and reconciliation. Without it, churches become vulnerable to gossip, grudges, and division—even over trivial matters.
As Peter writes, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)
If a church wants to bless its future pastor, it should start by loving one another now.
2. A Church That Is Unified in Teaching, Preaching, and Living the Christian Faith
Biblical unity is not the same as uniformity, nor does it require suppressing truth. True unity springs from a shared commitment to sound doctrine and a willingness to obey Christ together. Ephesians 4:11–16 portrays the church as a body “joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped,” growing in maturity as each part does its work.
Paul also exhorts the Corinthians: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV)
A new pastor would delight to find a church that treasures biblical preaching, welcomes faithful teaching, and seeks to live the gospel consistently. Such unity does not entail agreement on every secondary matter, but it does require humility, maturity, and a shared submission to God’s Word.
This kind of church does not chase every trend or fracture over personal preferences. Instead, each member serves faithfully, like parts of a healthy body working together. In such an environment, truth is cherished, peace is pursued, and the gospel is evident in the congregation’s life. A pastor rejoices when conviction and charity walk side by side and when the people are more committed to Christ’s mission than to their own agendas.
3. A Church That Prays for Each Other—and for Their Pastor
A praying church is a healthy church. As Acts 2:42 tells us, the early believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” In Ephesians 6:18–20, after describing the armor of God, Paul urges believers to pray “at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication,” including prayers “for all the saints,” and adds, “and also for me.”
Prayer keeps a congregation dependent on God rather than on personalities, techniques, or programs. Saying we want God’s blessing is one thing; seeking Him together in prayer is another. A pastor would be immensely grateful to find a congregation that regularly prays for one another’s burdens, spiritual growth, and faithfulness—and especially for their shepherd and his family.
Pastors and their families are not immune to weakness, fatigue, temptation, or spiritual attack. They need a church that will ask God to protect, strengthen, and bless them. Pray for clarity and courage in every sermon; pray for spiritual protection; pray for the pastor’s home life, marriage, and children; and pray for his joy in the Lord. One of the most precious gifts a church can give is not merely appreciation after the fact but faithful intercession from the start.
Conclusion
As your church awaits the pastor God will provide, these days are not for idleness but for preparation. May this be a season when the church becomes—by God’s grace—the kind of congregation every faithful shepherd longs to serve: loving one another deeply, standing together in truth, and praying earnestly for one another.
These are not small gifts. Any pastor would consider it a joy to inherit a church marked by unity, love, and prayer. And when God sends your next pastor, may he find not merely a vacancy to fill but a congregation ready to labor joyfully with him for the glory of Christ.
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Lester Potts was born and raised in Tifton, Georgia. In addition to his secular work, he has worked in non-profit administration with the Mell Baptist Association and served as a Sunday School teacher for 25 years. He is currently a deacon at First Baptist Church in Tifton. He has been a lay-preacher for 10 years, including three interim pastorates. Now retired, he continues to preach and teach occasionally.
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