Ministers who changed pulpits during the last year of the COVID-19 pandemic recount similar experiences. Besides preaching to empty sanctuaries in view of a call — and in some cases for months after beginning their new roles — these pastors say they have yet to personally meet most church members and were unable to adequately say goodbye to their previous churches. But they also testify to the courage and ingenuity of lay leaders and congregations determined to fill vacancies even in the most difficult of times.
