29/07/2026
HOW TO LEAVE A MINISTRY TO START A MINISTRY WITHOUT HAVING ISSUES
By Mfon Udoema
According to Hosea 12:10, God will multiply visions in the last days. This implies that there is a tendency for more churches and ministries to be birthed in this end time.
People will be leaving the ministries they serve to birth new ministries. However, in leaving, they must know the right approach to take in order not to have issues where they are serving.
Most of the times, issues always abound when associates leave to start their own ministries and this is not because the associates left but how they left is the real problem.
The following are procedures for proper disengagement:
1. TELL YOUR LEADER OFFICIALLY (Gen 31:20,27):
Jacob left Laban without notifying him that he was leaving.
Some people just leave a ministry to go and start their ministry without notifying their leader.
When you want to leave, tell your leader officially, especially in writing for administrative purposes.
2. GIVE YOUR LEADER TIME (Gen 31:22):
Don't just take your leader unawares when you want to disengage.
Depending on the policy of the ministry, give your leader some time to reorganize the administration and structure of the ministry, especially if you are holding a sensitive position.
I normally suggest a minimum of 3 months notice.
Don't carelessly slam a letter on your leader for resignation and the resignation takes effect from the day of submitting the letter.
3. BE SENSITIVE ABOUT THE TIMING OF YOUR LEAVING (Eccl 10:4):
The greatest problem with disengagement is always associated with timing.
As an associate, be very careful and sensitive about the time and season you want to dissociate from your leader.
Don't leave when your leader or the ministry is going through rough and tough times.
4. TRAIN A REPLACEMENT BEFORE YOU LEAVE (1 Sam 17:20,28):
If you are handling a sensitive position in a ministry and you want to leave, train a replacement before you leave.
When David came to the battlefield, his brothers asked him who he left the flock with.
If you are a drummer or lead singer for instance, ensure that you have raised someone that is good and can fill in the gap when you leave.
Elisha handed over his father's business to a capable hand before he left to follow Elijah.
5. DON'T TAKE ANYTHING BELONGING TO YOUR LEADER OR MINISTRY AS YOU LEAVE (Gen 31:19):
Rachel 'stole' Jacob's idols.
Absalom 'stole' the hearts of the men that were with King David.
As much as possible, don't take anything from the ministry you serve when you leave.
I have witnessed a situation where a branch pastor took all the equipment and instruments in the branch he was serving to go and start his ministry.
6. LET YOUR LEADER BLESS AND SEND YOU FORTH (Gen 31:27; Acts 13:3-4):
Many leaders don't like to bless, send forth and release their associates and this is bad.
As much as possible, get the blessing of your leader, even if you don't want to submit to him for spiritual covering and mentorship as you start the new work.
Where he refuses to bless and release you, meet someone he respects to talk to him to bless, send forth and release you.
7. SPEAK WELL OF YOUR LEADER AND HIS MINISTRY WHEN YOU LEAVE (Ez 34:17-19):
Speak well of your leader and his ministry when you leave.
If you will not speak well, don't speak at all.
It is better to say nothing than to say evil against your former leader.
No matter how bad your former leader is, it was his ministry platform that helped you develop spiritual and ministerial capacity.
Conclusively, always seek the face of God in all that you do and prioritize God's will above man's feelings.
Do all things decently and in order.
Mfon Udoema