Moving to part-time when the shift can deliver meaningful benefits and before it’s a necessity gives a congregation a sense of control over its destiny. Anxiety is mitigated as the church realizes it has options and can take remedial steps. If fresh vitality leads to numeric growth and the congregation wants to scale up the pastorate, that option is always on the table as logistically feasible. Going part-time need not be a forever commitment, especially if a congregation acts sufficiently early.
