Why does this happen? How can something that starts out so positive and with all parties claiming they have made it a matter of earnest prayer, end in a power struggle? I think there is enough blame for everyone in such matters. That being said, what are the common problems that might be addressed and thus avoided?
First, I think that most churches don't know what they need when it comes to looking for a pastor. If you do a survey of the congregation and took seriously all the suggestions made you would end up with something of a cross between Billy Graham and Spiderman, with a little bit of Joel Osteen thrown in for good measure! Maybe this could be the time for an interim pastor who could observe the strengths and weaknesses of the church and then make some suggestions. Most church folks are too close to the problem or are just blind to what an outsider would see as a glaring need.
Second, I think potential pastors ought to be a bit more realistic. Let's face it, most pastoral types, especially young ones, are optimists. That can be a very good thing, but when you are told that the last three pastors of a church you are considering were fired it may be the better part of valor not to send in a resume.
All of this being said, I am sure there will continue to be more pastoral mismatches in the future. My prayer is that neither the churches, nor the dismissed pastors, will be damaged beyond repair in the process.
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