Church Resignation Letter

A church resignation letter is written by a full-time church worker, often holding a paid position. It could be written by a pastor, associate pastor, music minister, children’s ministry director or other individual holding a position in the church. It is important for the letter to be polite and respectful.

Sample:

This sample church resignation letter is written by an associate pastor to the church’s senior pastor. The associate pastor has accepted a position as a senior pastor at a smaller church in another community. The associate is leaving the church on good terms and with the support of the senior pastor.

Dear Reverend Mitchell:

It is with mixed emotions that I offer my resignation as associate pastor of XYZ Community Church effective April 30, 2013. My family and I have been tremendously blessed by our association with this church for the last 10 years, and I am extremely grateful for all that I have learned from you this past decade. It has been my honor and privilege to serve the wonderful congregation here at XYZ Community Church, and I believe the kind people of the congregation have been even more of a blessing to me than I have been to them.

I know that you are aware of my decision to accept the position of senior pastor at ABC Community Church beginning May 1, 2013, and I greatly appreciate the support and prayers you have given my family and I as we have prayed over and wrestled with this decision. I want you to know that I would not be able to step up to the challenges of a senior pastor position without the wise and patient mentoring that you have provided to me for the last 10 years. I will forever be deeply grateful for all that you and your wife have done for my family and me.

XYZ Community Church will always hold a special place in the hearts of both my wife and I as this is where we settled right after we were married and this is the church into which our three children were born and have come to find God. I hope you know that I will always be available and willing to do anything in my power to help you and the congregation of XYZ Community Church with any special need that comes along. My wife and children and I look forward to continuing a close friendship with you, your family and the church congregation.

I appreciate your generous offer to help me as I begin pastoring ABC Community Church in May, and I know that I will be calling you and seeking your advice in a number of areas. Let me extend an invitation to you and your family to come and visit ABC Community Church any time you are in the area. I want you to know that you and the precious congregation of XYZ Community Church will forever be in my daily prayers.

Peace Be With You,

Edward Cameron

Reverend Edward V. Cameron