“In most families, you’re not supposed to talk about religion or politics. But in our family, you can’t bring up the transfer portal.”
My 18-year-old daughter made this comment about 40 minutes into a recent whole-extended-family argument. Around the table were eight former NCAA Division I athletes, so there was no shortage of opinions about a system that’s reshaping college sports.
For those who are less sports crazy than our family, the “transfer portal” is an online system that has revolutionized how college athletes change schools. What was once a cumbersome, high-cost decision to shift to a new university has become relatively painless and increasingly common.
Don’t get enough playing time? Transfer portal.
Coach is too demanding? Transfer portal.
Better sponsorship options elsewhere? Transfer portal.
Whether the transfer portal is good for college athletics is an argument I will save for our next family gathering; however, one thing’s for certain: The transfer portal is here to stay.
Introducing the church transfer portal
Just as the transfer portal has transformed college athletics, I’ve noticed a similar phenomenon in church life during my 16 years of pastoring in the same town. While there’s no official “church transfer portal,” the same instant-gratification dynamic in play with college athletes has become increasingly common among churchgoers.
Better youth program nearby? Transfer churches.
Pastor not fully on board with your politics? Transfer churches.
Dislike a change the leaders made? Transfer churches.
Like college coaches scrambling to adapt to this new reality, pastors can find themselves flat-footed by the continuous flow of people coming and going. It’s an area where a little intentional thought goes a long way. While challenging, this new normal doesn’t have to be overwhelming—thoughtful preparation can make a difference.
Navigate the church transfer portal era effectively with these eight practical strategies, both proactive and responsive.
Proactive pastoral strategies for strengthening member commitment
1. Cultivate meaningful church membership in order to mitigate the church transfer dynamic.
Though the New Testament encourages local church membership rather than explicitly mandating it, a robust church membership process raises the bar of commitment and covenant. When people go through a membership process—meeting with an elder, signing a membership covenant, getting involved with serving and giving, and participating in regular members’ meetings—they become more deeply knit into the fabric of the church. They consume less and contribute more, and when church life gets hard, they are more likely to stick it out.
2. Offer a compelling vision of servant-hearted discipleship.
Help people embrace that it’s “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). We are never more like Jesus than when we serve and give. These activities move us from mere consumers to imitators of Christ. Beyond merely encouraging service, we must cultivate true servant-heartedness—that humble spirit that is content with being treated like a servant. When people embrace this mindset, they naturally focus more on the Lord and his mission than church-shopping for better programs or experiences.
3. Instruct your people how to leave a church well.
Most people won’t spend their entire lives in the same local church. All kinds of legitimate reasons might require members to leave (life changes, job relocations, moving closer to family, etc.). Teach them to do it honorably. Our membership packet includes an appendix with guidance on how to leave the church well. We encourage them to:
- Have a good reason for leaving
- Communicate the decision to leave with the appropriate leader(s)
- Tell these leaders the truth about why you’re leaving
- Appropriately transition or conclude any ministry commitments
- Leave graciously, without harboring or spreading ill-will.
Having this conversation proactively equips people to navigate this moment with greater maturity.
4. Build strong relationships with other local pastors.
Intentional relationships with other local pastors yield many benefits. As it relates to church transfers, these connections foster open communication and genuine affection—both of which are crucial elements for handling the responsive strategies that follow.
Responsive pastoral strategies for handling church transfers well
1. Express genuine affection for other pastors and churches.
When newcomers arrive badmouthing their previous church, speaking warmly about their former congregation and its pastor. This does more than take some of the wind out of their sails, diffusing any negativity. It also prevents bonding with new families based on a shared critique of other churches. Remember: You don’t want your relationship with new families to be rooted in your church’s supposed superiority.
2. Ask newcomers why and how they left.
It is completely appropriate to ask questions and inquire about which churches they previously attended, how they were involved there, what prompted their decision to leave, what drew them to your church, and whether or not they believe they departed honorably. Their responses offer valuable insights into their level of spiritual maturity and the shepherding they may need going forward.
If they left well, you’ll be more confident about weaving them into the life of your church. However, if unresolved conflict or bitter feelings surface, good shepherding means encouraging them to go back and heal any relational wounds that are still festering. These conversations will not only set the tone for future pastoral care. They will also establish healthy expectations for those who decide to continue at your church.
3. Connect with the newcomer’s previous pastor.
Reach out to their former pastor with a simple query: “This person is now attending our church. Is there anything you think we should know?” You can confirm whether or not the person did leave honorably and potentially get more important context (Prov. 18:17). This is why building intentional relationships with other local pastors is valuable. The stronger your existing connections, the more candid these discussions can be and the easier it will be to learn what you need to learn.
Some pastors avoid making these calls, worried about awkwardness or hurt feelings. They think, I don’t want to make the other pastor feel bad. Get over it. Remember, you have a flock to protect, so you need to know more about the people coming your way.
4. Be gracious to those leaving your church.
When members leave your church, extend grace. If they’re trying to leave well, support their effort. It’s okay to ask questions about their decision-making process, and don’t be afraid to acknowledge your sadness or disappointment. In fact, your honesty may honor them. You may disagree with their reasons for leaving or feel hurt that you were left out of the conversation until the decision had already been made. But by that point, it is what it is. Gracious acceptance will serve everyone best and help them leave well. Plus, I’ve learned an encouraging truth from my more than two decades in ministry: Sometimes those who leave eventually find their way back. Your posture in their departure might just pave the way for their return.
Shepherding souls, not managing rosters
Like the NCAA transfer portal, church-hopping is a cringeworthy fact of pastoral life. Sometimes it’s deeply discouraging, especially when someone dear to you decides to leave.
We can, like my extended family, waste time arguing or complaining about whether this new reality is good or bad for the church. But that’s missing the point. The real question isn’t whether we like it. It’s whether or not we’ve intentionally prepared to respond to it well.
Maybe this moment—the era of the church transfer portal—is an unexpected opportunity: to embody truth and grace in an age of casual commitment. When we handle transfers with wisdom and love, we bear witness to something greater: that the body of Christ is bigger than any one local church. After all, we’re not managing rosters—we’re shepherding souls toward Christlikeness wherever that journey might lead them.
The transfer culture isn’t going away anytime soon, but neither is God’s faithfulness to you and your church. Pastor, your calling remains the same: Shepherd the flock God has entrusted to you, whether they’re with you for a season or a lifetime. By implementing these strategies (both proactive and responsive), we can create stronger and healthier church cultures for those who are coming, those who are going, and those who are staying.
Luke Simmons is the lead pastor at Ironwood Church. He coaches leaders, church planters, and pastors, in addition to creating resources and experiences for pastors through FaithfulAndFruitful.com.
