Transitions as free-agency?

The guys at Church Marketing Sucks (I know, the name is suspect, but the intention is pretty great) did a quick post that has long implications: Church Staff Free Agents.

Their post raises some very good questions quickly in my mind:

• How should we view transitions like those they mention (all semi-known names moving to work with other semi-known names)-- as the work of good, thoughtful ministry team-building or as unhelpful consolidation of skills and leadership?
• Should these "celebrities" of ministry be treated in a tabloid fashion, with news about transition reported in the same manner as sports trades?
• Are pastors EVER "free agents" in any sense of that colloquial term?
• Where does a sense of God's calling fit into transitions like these-- and how is that articulated by those involved?

[In asking the questions above, I'm not suggesting anything about the particular leaders and their decisions; the larger picture is in view for me here.]

Technorati Tags: Ministry, Placement, Transition