Very good article Rev Peterson. Congregations can get over a pastor, but pastors can not get over a congregation. I have served three congregations, all have been a blessing, one I still think of as mine. A pastor gets swallowed up in a congregation. Losing himself in the work of preaching teaching and most importantly, love for the flock. I was injured and forced to retire disabled. Still I am loving the people I served in each place. They in turn have loved me in the past 6 years even though I no longer work. I am still Pastor, still one they turn to, still the one who comforts when I can. Perhaps a congregation can replace a pastor but as I've learned they will continue to love the one replaced.