A UMC pastor is the leader of the church. As leader, it is his/her option to bring his/her own skills and styles to a new church. Those preferences will be married to the way things have routinely been handled by a former pastor and the congregation. There are many acceptable ways to conduct services and business within UMC guidelines and just because “it has always been done that way”, there is always room for change. Change does not necessarily mean radical differences – it can mean weaking or subtle alterations. With a new pastor comes the opportunity for new ideas and growth from where we have been. All we ask is that before you decide you don’t like something, give it a chance. Just as getting a new family member or a new neighbor can change your world, so does a new pastor change the environment of a church. Embrace the new. Welcome it. See it as an opportunity. Give it a chance.