What preaching shadow does the departure leave?

As an employee, I’ve left multiple churches. Most under good circumstances. Not all.

I’ve been involved with many churches where a staff member has left. 

Amicably. Graciously. Beloved. Disgraced. Disgruntled. Bitter. Sudden.

But, no matter what circumstances surround a departure, the one who leaves usually doesn’t stick around.

They start working for another church. They move away. They go on holiday. They take a break or a “step away.”

Either way, everyone else is left behind.

Other ministers. The congregation. Those who loved the departed. Those who are glad to see the back of them.

And another Sunday is on the way…

So, do those who leave churches consider the preaching legacy they leave behind?

Do they wonder what effect they will have on the Sunday after they are gone?

Do the ones making a hostile firing give thought to how this will shape the following Sunday? 

The Sunday service, and sermon, should always reflect - at least in part - the context it is found it. 

It should be influenced by world events.

It should be relevant to local circumstances.

It should connect with what is going on in the congregation.

I wonder, especially now that many services and sermons are recorded and accessible for anyone, do those who’ve left listen in?

Does the, now, permanence of the words spoken influence what is shared?