Every pastor in transition leaves behind more than an empty office. He leaves a story… a story that the congregation will remember in some way. The question is: How will they remember it? What meaning will they assign to the years shared, the challenges faced, the prayers offered, and the progress made?

Too often, when a pastor departs and no clear narrative is offered, the church fills the space with assumptions. Lingering questions, unspoken frustrations, or moments of disappointment can become the dominant memory. Without guidance, the story of God’s work can be overshadowed by confusion or discouragement. Left undefined, the story drifts—often toward negativity or even division.

But as shepherds, pastors can offer a lens through which the congregation sees the hand of God. They can interpret the past in light of His grace and prepare the people to trust God’s unfolding plan. This is biblical leadership.

See how Moses addressed Israel before his death (Deuteronomy 31), or how Paul spoke to the Ephesian elders in his farewell (Acts 20). They did not simply exit. They described God’s work, reminded the people of who they were, and called them to walk with God. Their final words helped shape their collective memory.

Pastors who neglect this role risk leaving their church vulnerable going forward. But those who offer a truthful, grace-filled narrative can leave behind a foundation of hope.

These are “leaving” words.

Elevate What God Has Done

God often does His greatest work through incremental changes, unlikely people, and ordinary moments. When a pastor prepares to leave, it is essential to help the church look back and recognize the faithfulness of God, even in the small victories. Help them recall what God was doing all along.

The apostle Paul models this in Acts 20:18–21, where he addresses the elders of the Ephesian church at Miletus. He recounts how he served “with all humility, with many tears and trials,” and how he “kept back nothing that was helpful.” Paul points out God’s work through his ministry not to brag or take credit for himself, but to point the church to God’s gracious, ruling presence in their shared story.

Use Words to Shape Identity, Not Just Recall Events

Words have the power to influence how people see themselves. A departing pastor has the opportunity to affirm the congregation’s identity in Christ and to describe characteristics that may still be emerging but are spiritually significant.

Consider how Jesus spoke to Simon in John 1:42: “‘You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas’ (which is translated, A Stone).” Jesus spoke prophetically about Simon’s identity. He described a future reality that would eventually become true.

Similarly, a pastor can say, “This is a congregation that welcomes the stranger,” or “You are becoming a people who care deeply for one another.” Even if these truths are still unfolding, pointing out what God is doing helps shape the church’s self-understanding. They move from “this is what we did” to “this is who we are becoming.”

Affirm a Future Marked by God’s Grace

Leaving words should not only reflect on the past, they can also foster hope about what lies ahead. In a real way, the church needs courage (i.e. confidence rooted in who God is) to move forward, and a pastor’s leaving words can help provide that clarity.

Moses does this in Deuteronomy 31:6, when he says to the people of Israel: “Be strong and of good courage… for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Moses describes God’s enduring presence as the anchor for their journey into the unknown. He knows that what the people need most is a renewed faith in a faithful God.

Pastors can mirror that same pattern. They can confidently remind the congregation that God is already present in their future. They can offer clear counsel: “Remain rooted in the Word,” “Continue welcoming others,” or “Hold fast to the walk of faith God has given you.” These kinds of words can help shape the church’s future..

Let Scripture Shape the Heart

Transitions bring with them waves of emotion. Facing questions and uncertainties, help the church (re)discover Scripture as a refuge. It provides language for what people are feeling, and it offers God’s perspective on whatever we’re facing.

Psalm 27 illustrates this as the psalmist begins with a declaration of confidence: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” Even as he acknowledges potential threats—“Though an army may encamp against me”—he chooses to fix his thoughts on the Lord. This psalm describes how trust in God eviscerates fear. The fear remains possible, but it no longer has any control.

Pastors can draw on such truths to encourage His people to respond to uncertainty with faith. Instead of imagining worst-case scenarios, they are invited to imagine God’s presence, God’s provision, and God’s promises.

Heart-Level Communication

The leaving words a pastor speaks don’t need to be scripted or eloquent. They need to be real. Expressing thanks, recognizing His grace at work, and an encouraging word can do more than any formal farewell.

In 2 Timothy 4:6–8, Paul writes, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…”

Paul bears witness. He doesn’t hide the struggle. He describes the reward. He speaks not just of his past, but of the hope living in his heart.

Pastors can offer similar words: “Thank you for letting me walk alongside you,” “Let me share where I’ve seen God at work among us,” and “Here’s my prayer for you going forward.” These phrases stay with people. They frame memory in a way that lifts their eyes to God and anchors their hope in His ongoing work.

Leaving well is an opportunity to steward the true story of God’s work.

A pastor’s final words have the power to describe what God has done, to affirm who His people are becoming, and to direct their attention toward the One who never leaves them.

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.” ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:16