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Farewell Speech Samples for Pastor Or Parish Priest or Nun

How The Pope Delivers Great Farewell Speeches And How You Can Use His Proven Method To Effortlessly Write and Give A Beautiful Speech As You Say Goodbye To Your Congregation!

Do You Agree With This Old Man?

Paul’s admonition to the church in I Corinthians 11: 1 to imitate him even as he imitates Christ Jesus is a verse I love so much.

You see, in our lives, we all look up to good role models whenever we are charting any path and I know for sure there’s someone who really inspires you in your pastoral ministry.

It stands then to reason that you should get proven examples you can model your speech after as they will help make writing your pastor’s farewell speech so much easier.

Here on this blog, we learned how and where to get the right words and ideas for our send-off speech.

In that post, we looked briefly at Pope Benedict XIV’s goodbye speech to the worshippers in Rome.

Today, we are going to look at it in its entirety by critiquing it so you can get important ideas to help you write a heartfelt speech fast and easy.

Get This Right!

Let me again remind you that writing a speech is not the same as putting together a sermon. There are varied differences and each serves its unique purposes.

By the way, I would like to take this moment to thank Pope Election for letting us have what Pope Benedict XVI said before he flew over to Mater Ecclesiae Monastery inside the Vatican City. God bless you guys!

Pay Heed To This Before You Go For It

First, before we look at our example over, let me remind you that you shouldn’t copy what you find exactly as its theme and tone might not be the same as what you want to write.

Rather, let its style and choice of words inspire you so you can put down thoughts that come to you. Okay. Enough said. So, let’s cut to the chase!

Below are his exact words

''Venerable Brothers in the Episcopate and in the Priesthood!
Distinguished Authorities!
Dear brothers and sisters!
Thank you for coming in such large numbers to this last General Audience of my pontificate.

Like the Apostle Paul in the Biblical text that we have heard, I feel in my heart that I have to especially thank God who guides and builds up the Church, who plants His Word and thus nourishes the faith in His People.

At this moment my heart expands and embraces the whole Church throughout the world and I thank God for the ‘news’ that, in these years of my Petrine ministry, I have received about the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and for the love that truly circulates in the Body of the Church, making it to live in the love and the hope that opens us to and guides us towards the fullness of life, towards our heavenly homeland.''

Okay. Let’s hit the pause button. Thank God, I am not going to do this all by myself.

Please what do you make of the extract above?

Please you have just 5 minutes to give me your answer because I know for sure you are a good student.

4 Minutes more to go!

3 minutes more to go!

2 minutes more to go!

A minute more go to!

Someone tells me this seems to be quite difficult! Yikes!

Okay, time’s up and a few of you wrote that it’s his introduction. That’s true you know.

Now, Here’s How To Start With A Bang

Just as you pretty much aware, the opening lines of any speech have to be very impactful.

To make yours stand out, you have to write down the names of people you will be addressing and their titles if possible.

You may go back up this page and model yours after his opening remarks anyway.

Next, decide on how to open your speech.

Okay. Look at this part of his example once again: ''Like the Apostle Paul in the Biblical text that we have heard, I feel in my heart that I have to especially thank God who guides and builds up the Church, who plants His Word and thus nourishes the faith in His People.''

We can infer from the above lines that he used a bible verse to begin his message and I must say his intro is a hit.

Guess what? That’s not the only way to start on a positive note.

Here Are Some Guidelines To Help You Come Up With One

You can begin with a bible verse just as he’s done.

If I were to write your farewell speech’s introduction with a bible quote, this is how I would have started.

''I thank the Lord who abounds with love, grace, and plenteous mercy more than we can ever imagine!

His grace has made this day possible considering that his mercies are new every morning…!''

I hope you got the idea right?

You can also use farewell or goodbye quotes by respected theologians or scholars or sages.
You can right away tell a brief story of when you joined the ministry.
You can start with a joke but please make sure it’s relevant else it will backfire.
You can even begin with a bible story if it really connects with your opening lines.
You can connect your opening lines with the words of a well-known Christian tune like the one below.

Through All the Changing Scenes of Life"
by Nicholas Brady, 1659-1726
and Nahum Tate, 1652-1715

Through all the changing scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.

Of His deliverance, I will boast
Till all that are distrest
From my example comfort take
And charm their griefs to rest.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
With me exalt His name!
When in distress to Him I cried,
He to my rescue came.

Another way would be to draw ideas or inspiration from a poem about our journey through life or stay on earth or being a minister of God!

For example…let’s see Jim Reeve’s video ''This World Is Not My Home''

Please see excerpts of lyrics below

''This world is not my home
I'm just a-passing through
My treasures are laid up
Somewhere beyond the blue.

The angels beckon me
From heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home
In this world anymore.''

A Short And Sweet Example

Now, let’s see how I am going to use the words of that song to write something brief so you get a clear idea of how best to write your opening words (see Reeves’ words and their usage in context)!

Here you go!

''We often forget that this world is not our home because we are not of the world.

The world and everything we see in life is fading away like a flower and so are we because it’s not our home.

We can only call heaven our home because that’s where we are going to see Jesus face to face someday.

As God’s messengers to the nations, no place is our home and we sometimes forget that.

It comes to mind though when we go through one change or another in our lives.

Through the years I have been with you; you and God have helped make our lives….''

That was to get you started on the right track. Can you continue from where I felt off?

Well, let’s go back to the Pope’s speech.

''I feel I ought to carry everyone in prayer, in a present that is God’s, where I recall every meeting, every voyage, every pastoral visit. I gather everyone and everything in prayerful recollection, in order to entrust them to the Lord: in order that we might have full knowledge of His will, with every wisdom and spiritual understanding, and in order that we might comport ourselves in a manner that is worthy of Him, of His, bearing fruit in every good work (cf. Col 1:9-10).

At this moment I have great confidence because I know, we all know, that the Gospel’s Word of truth is the strength of the Church; it is her life. The Gospel purifies and renews, bearing fruit, wherever the community of believers hears it, and welcomes God’s grace in truth and in love. This is my confidence, this is my joy.''

Having given you lots of details earlier, please what can you say about the lines above? Got any idea? Ok…still happy to help.

That idea presented above is a continuation of the Pope’s introductory remarks.

What that means is your speech should be developed as if you’re building your dream house…one step at a time! Remember an orderly presentation of ideas makes understanding so much easier.

Okay, enough said for that. Let’s get on with our review of his words.

''When on 19 April almost eight years ago I accepted to take on the Petrine ministry, I had the firm certainty that has always accompanied me: this certainty for the life of the Church from the Word of God.

At that moment, as I have already expressed many times, the words that resounded in my heart were: Lord, what do You ask of me? It is a great weight that You are placing on my shoulders but, if You ask it of me, I will cast my nets at your command, confident that You will guide me, even with all my weaknesses.

And eight years later I can say that the Lord has guided me. He has been close to me. I have felt His presence every day.

It has been a stretch of the Church’s path that has had moments of joy and light, but also difficult moments. I felt like St. Peter and the Apostles in the boat on the Sea of Galilee.

The Lord has given us many days of sunshine and light breezes, days when the fishing was plentiful, but also times when the water was rough and the winds against us, just as throughout the whole history of the Church, when the Lord seemed to be sleeping.

But I always knew that the Lord is in that boat and I always knew that the boat of the Church is not mine, not ours, but is His. And the Lord will not let it sink. He is the one who steers her, of course also through those He has chosen because that is how He wanted it. This was and is a certainty that nothing can tarnish.

And that is why my heart today is filled with gratitude to God because He never left—the whole Church or me—without His consolation, His light, or His love.''

These 14 Golden Questions Hold The Key To Your Success!

Do you remember the 14 questions I asked you when we last talked about how to get the right words for your pastor farewell speech

Answers to those questions are the backbone of your message.

I remember asking you about how you felt when you were called into the ministry and the challenges you faced right?

Well, those questions were answered by the pope in his address (see underlined words below)

At that moment, as I have already expressed many times, the words that resounded in my heart were: Lord, what do You ask of me?

It is a great weight that You are placing on my shoulders but, if You ask it of me, I will cast my nets at your command, confident that You will guide me, even with all my weaknesses. And eight years later I can say that the Lord has guided me. He has been close to me. I have felt His presence every day.

It has been a stretch of the Church’s path that has had moments of joy and light, but also difficult moments. I felt like St. Peter and the Apostles in the boat on the Sea of Galilee. The Lord has given us many days of sunshine and light breezes, days when the fishing was plentiful...''

I also remember saying you could lace your speech with anecdotes and the Pope did that as well?

By the way, the Lord’s servant did a great job with that speech.

We are not done yet. Let’s continue.

''When, on 19 April almost eight years ago I accepted to take on the Petrine ministry…At that moment, as I have already expressed many times, the words that resounded in my heart were: Lord, what do You ask of me? It is a great weight that You are placing on my shoulders but, if You ask it of me, I will cast my nets at your command, confident that You will guide me, even with all my weaknesses...''

In his discourse, Pope Benedict XVI didn’t reveal lots of details and I guess you understand why....well, it's because he's a public figure and it wouldn't be wise to tell the world everything that's happened in the church.

Well, that takes me to the next point and it has to do with…

This Sensitive Issue

Please leave out issues that are known only to the board or elders even if you’ve been forced out.

For God’s sake, you don’t have to even if you are leaving with a ''bitter'' heart. You have to forgive no matter what and leave on a good note. Remember, if you don't forgive others, our heavenly father wouldn't pardon you(Matthew 6: 14)

Like Pope Benedict’s, your priest's speech should remind the worshippers about the need to love one another, keep up the faith, and also remind believers about Christ’s imminent return!

You can see how he unified believers in the speech below. The underlined phrases attest to this.

''We are in the Year of Faith, which I desired in order to strengthen our own faith in God in a context that seems to push faith more and more toward the margins of life.

I would like to invite everyone to renew firm trust in the Lord. I would like that we all, entrust ourselves as children to the arms of God, and rest assured that those arms support us and us to walk every day, even in times of struggle.''

I was once at a church where the minister’s parting words were borne of out hostility and strife.

Obviously he was accused of things he never did, hence his resentment. Yet, his words could have been softer.

Perhaps you are going through this as you read and you want to use your speech to pay back those who have frustrated you but am reminded of Paul’s words: As much as possible, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18)

Let your speech unify and heal wounds in the ministry before you go for good.

And you can do that by reaching out to those who might not like your leadership style.

Why Do You Want To Thank Them?

Again, write down those you want to thank and why you’re thanking them.

I like how the man of God thanked all those who supported him in his 8 years in the pristine ministry. Below are his words and those he expressed gratitude to(names underlined)

''It is not only God who I wish to thank at this time. A pope is not alone in guiding Peter’s barque, even if it is his primary responsibility. I have never felt alone in bearing the joy and the weight of the Petrine ministry.

The Lord has placed at my side so many people who, with generosity and love for God and the Church, have helped me and been close to me.

First of all, you, dear Brother Cardinals: your wisdom, your advice, and your friendship have been precious to me.

My collaborators, starting with my secretary of state who has accompanied me faithfully over the years; the Secretariat of State and the whole of the Roman Curia, as well as all those who, in their various areas, serve the Holy See. There are many faces that are never seen, remaining in obscurity, but precisely in their silence, in their daily dedication in a spirit of faith and humility, they were a sure and reliable support to me.

A special thought goes to the Church of Rome, my diocese! I cannot forget my Brothers in the episcopate and in the priesthood, consecrated persons, and the entire People of God. In my pastoral visits, meetings, audiences, and trips I always felt great care and deep affection, but I have also loved each and every one of you, without exception, with that pastoral love that is the heart of every pastor, especially the Bishop of Rome, the Successor of the Apostle Peter. Every day I held each of you in prayer, with a father’s heart.''

Isn’t that beautiful and gracious?

That’s not all…It’s quite long but below are the rest and my observations!

''…At this point, I would also like to wholeheartedly thank all of the many people around the world who, in recent weeks, have sent me touching tokens of concern, friendship, and prayer. Yes, the …The Pope belongs to everyone and many people feel very close to him

It’s true that I receive letters from the world’s notables—from heads of states, from religious leaders, from representatives of the world of culture, etc.

But I also receive many letters from ordinary people who write to me simply from their hearts and make me feel their affection, which is born of our being together with Christ Jesus, in the Church.''

This Is Very Essential Too

I almost forget about this. Well, you have to use the opportunity to tell the church or your diocese they’ve helped make your ministry successful.

Here’s how Pope Benedict did that skillfully.

''In recent months, I felt that my strength had decreased, and I asked God with insistence in prayer to enlighten me with His light to make me take the right decision – not for my sake, but for the good of the Church.

I have taken this step in full awareness of its severity and also its novelty, but with a deep peace of mind. Loving the Church also means having the courage to make difficult, trying choices, having ever before oneself the good of the Church and not one’s own.''

Again, tell them why you are leaving.

Never assume everyone knows and that’s the mistake most preachers make in their speeches!

Pope Benedict once again:

''…I also thank each and every one of you for the respect and understanding with which you have received this important decision.

I will continue to accompany the Church’s journey through prayer and reflection, with the dedication to the Lord and His Bride that I have tried to live every day up to now and that I want to always live.

I ask you to remember me to God, and above all to pray for the Cardinals who are called to such an important task, and for the new Successor of the Apostle Peter. Many the Lord accompany him with the light and strength of His Spirit…''

Let Your Voice Be Like An Oasis In The Desert

Finally, end on an upbeat by reminding the church to still cling to the Lord Jesus Christ in spite of the difficult times and admonish them to show the same love to your successor, friends, and neighbors!

The lines below illustrate what I just talked about.

''Dear friends! God guides His Church, always sustaining her even and especially in difficult times. Let us never lose this vision of faith, which is the only true vision of the path of the Church and of the world. In our hearts, in the heart of each one of you, may there always be the joyous certainty that the Lord is beside us, that He does not abandon us, that He is near and embraces us with His love. Thank you! ''

Whatever it is, please make sure you don’t just write anything as your final message to the church.

Put in a lot of thought and effort by reading this post once again and this one to get your message right.

Never ever forget that your last words might be what someone needs to keep the fire of his or her faith burning!

You’ve been a blessing to the family but like Paul, you still need to strive for that incorruptible crown.

This will leave you in complete shock !… A Christian reveals how pastors or nuns or priests leaving or retiring are writing best farewell speeches ever without lifting a finger… How? Please read on

What do you think is the best gift you can give the congregation before you leave for good?

You will agree with me when I say so because God's word makes it all possible for every man to live according to his standard.

As you leave, you have to leave on a favorable note and your parting words will make them remember you the most.

(This is a person we helped with her farewell speech.Please you can double click on the image if you can't see it clearly)

Granted, giving a heartfelt speech is certainly different from a sermon. While a sermon exhorts, a send-off speech is more about you telling everyone how your tenure has been like.

We know how hard coming up with the right words to help you say something sweet and memorable can be.

That’s why we are giving you a rare chance to come up with something inspiring and funny without pulling your hair out!

Want to get on board? You should by first clicking here to fill out a simple and short questionnaire!

(This is someone we've helped with her speech. Please you can double click on the image if you can't see it clearly)

Ok, Is This Offer For Me?

Yes, if you really want to say something sweet, unique, heartfelt, and inspiring.

Yes, it’s for you if you are overwhelmed by the pressures of work or other things and really don’t have the time to put a beautiful speech together.

Yes you have to get on board; if you don’t know how to start or are not too sure if you can

Yes, if you always give a sermon before you leave but want to make a real difference this time.

Yes, if you honestly feel writing and giving speeches is simply not your thing!

Yes, if you are still struggling to find the right words and ideas to say something memorable.

Yes, if you have a day or less to go and you feel that you are under pressure and might make some horrible mistakes!

Yes, if you are a good writer or speaker but you still want a highly-skilled professional to look over or review what you've come up with!

Ok, I am Interested, What’s the Cost?

You simply pay what you want after you’ve got your beautiful speech.

Why? As you know, the current health crisis has caused severe hardships for most people.

Precious lives have been lost, jobs wiped out and families displaced, leaving everyone wondering what the future holds.

Yet, some pastors are still saying their goodbyes and church leaders have no choice but to give speeches.

Nonetheless, not everyone could afford our services even before the pandemic suddenly hit us.

So, we have dropped our normal rates so you can simply pay what you want after you have got your beautiful speech.

Please note: When life gets back to normal, this offer will be scrapped for good.

So, please take advantage of it by simply paying what you want after you get your beautiful speech.

Oh Ok, How Then Do I Get Started Since I Want To Get On Board Right Away?

All you have to do RIGHT NOW is to click on this link to receive an easy-to-fill-in questionnaire in your email to get started.

1. So, CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED NOW TO GET YOUR GREAT SPEECH NOW BY FILLING OUT A QUESTIONNAIRE

After that, we will send you a very short questionnaire to fill out!
Then, you have it sent back to us via email
If something is not too clear, we will ask you to clarify.
If not, we will send you a wonderful draft.
Then, you look it over and tell us if you are okay with it or you want to amend it till you are happy with it--although we always get it right even with the first draft.

Please note: Don’t fill out this form if you’re a dishonest individual and you are bent on robbing us. We want also good people to work with because good people like you make the world go around!

So, CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED NOW TO GET YOUR INSPIRING LETTER OR SPEECH NOW BY FILLING OUT A QUESTIONNAIRE---

Forget about money and let’s write something for you. We believe in the values of honesty and integrity and we think you should be happy with our work before you pay.

So, you don’t have to think twice before you get on board. Remember, you have to be happy before you pay.

So, CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED NOW TO GET YOUR INSPIRING LETTER OR SPEECH NOW BY FILLING OUT A QUESTIONNAIRE---

So, here are the Benefits You Get When You Get On Board!

An inspiring speech written by our speech consultants that reflects what you want to say exactly

We coach you on how to use your voice to make your speech very exciting.

We show you a simple but often overlook strategy to rehearse your speech even if you have a very poor memory. This method is used by great speakers like Obama and was used by Abraham Lincoln and his compatriots

Then we show the most effective way to get your entire speech into your head without memorizing your speech. Guaranteed to help you even if you have a very poor memory or your memory is like a gold fish…most of our clients still wonder where we got this idea from. This ensures that you don't read off a sheet of paper...

Just see what someone said about that great tip that's proven to calm your nerves and help you speak with purpose, poise, and clarity!

Ways to include humor in your speech or letter and what it takes to do so

So, CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED NOW TO GET YOUR INSPIRING LETTER OR SPEECH NOW BY FILLING OUT A QUESTIONNAIRE---

Posted at 12:47 PM in Farewell Speech for Pastor or Parish Priest or Nun | Permalink

Farewell Speech To or For Pastor or Parish Priest or Nun

Looking to Get the Right Words and Ideas for your sendoff but can’t seem to get started?

Don’t worry…At last! Here’s a quick and easy way to put down your exact thoughts and emotions into a memorable farewell pastor or priest or nun speech without trying so hard!

Is This Really True?

There is this verse of scripture I loved so much.

King Solomon made a profound statement in Ecclesiastics 3: 1 that there’s a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.

In verse 3, he goes on to say that there’s a time to be born and to die.

That verse reminds me of your pastoral work.

Once upon a time, you moved to be with your present parish or congregation. It seems like only yesterday you were overcome with emotions when you left your old place. But you arrived looking so happy and ''fell in love'' with your current designation.

All too soon you have to say goodbye once again to people who truly love, honor, and respect you.

Time really flies so fast!

Well, I thank God for your life because you’ve been a tremendous blessing to God’s children.

Do This Before You Give Your Farewell Speech and They Will Love You More!

As you know, you have to give your final sermon or speech before you say goodbye to God’s flock and it demands that you give a touching valedictory speech!

I am saying this because most preachers don’t give heartfelt goodbye speeches and you certainly agree with me. Don’t you?

Most final messages delivered sound more like newspapers articles or essays.

Others too make it sound like a sermon and there’s nothing wrong with that obviously.

But here’s the downside. A sermon wouldn’t really capture all that you’ve gone through in your God-given assignment.

If you have ever given a ''newspaper-kind'' of final remarks, I don’t blame you because writing great speeches require some skills and experience and I am happy to show you how to do that the right way.

Add This To Your Message

For your words to hit the right note, your final remarks should be spiced with gratitude, reflection, humor and hope for the future. Using one or more is more than enough to make your speech memorable.

Okay, let’s quickly see how this can be done---one step at a time.

First of all,

Please Go By the Best Book Ever

Have any idea of what I mean by the best book ever

The Bible! The Bible has a lot of rich ideas you can use to make your delivery beautiful.

The story of Elijah and Elisha( 2 Kings 2: 1-23) can be used.
We can use the call of Joshua to be Israel’s next leader (Joshua 1:2)
Samuel’s final sermon to the people of Israel can be helpful as well(1 Samuel 12: 1-25)
Let us also not forget Jesus’ message to his disciples before his ascension (Matthew 28:1-20)

I know the question on your mind is Dan, how; can i use any of those stories to write what I really want to say?

My answer is this. Go back and read those stories carefully line by line and see how those messages are worded and do same likewise

Again, you can use the theme and the lessons learned from those bible stories and apply it to your own situation

If you still don’t get it, don’t worry. The next idea will help you out.

This is by far my favorite way of coming up with ideas fast and easy.

Guess what?

Using Personal Anecdotes or Memories Can Really Help

By proving answers to these 15 questions, you will be a step away from recalling fond memories of your work in God’s vineyard.

How did you feel when you were leaving your old church or parish for where you are now?
How did you feel when you arrived where you are?
How was the reception like?
What was or were your personal vision(s) for the ministry?
How did the congregation and church leadership help achieve your goals?
Do you remember the good times? Put all of them down so you can later decide the best ones to go for
Do you remember the good bad times too? Put down the major highlights.
How did you sail through the difficult or challenging years?
What funny memories do you really want to share?
What couldn’t you accomplish and why?
How has soul winning been like during your tenure? Or better still the spiritual or numerical growth of the ministry? (this is the most important question to answer)
How has the church or ministry impacted the community, state or even your country?

How has the faith of the congregation and others outside deepened in the Lord as a result of your initiatives and outreaches?

Who do you want to thank? What for?

Finally, what word of hope and assurance do you have for your flock?

I want to make things fairly easy for you. So, let’s now look at this very short farewell speech example I came up with to bring my ideas or suggestions to life.

Are you ready? Have your pen and paper to put down an idea or two?

Well, let’s use Jesus message to the disciples before his ascension and blend with a few answers to some questions above.

Please read it carefully. Now, here we go!

''Good morning my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus!

Just the goldsmith fashions a precious metal until it’s pure and shine bright, so does the Lord refines us until we become a reflection of his glorious presence. That’s one of the beautiful things I have realized in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ!

Well, He tells us in John 8: 9 that he is the light of the world and if we follow him we would not walk in darkness at all.

The beautiful thing about having that illuminating light of God is that we can’t keep that bright light in an obscured place.

That’s why I have to leave so the light of love he has filled my life with will be spread abroad to others.

You have been so good and so kind to me these few years. But I am filled with grief and sorrow because all I see outside the walls of this church are men and women groping in darkness.

And I know if Jesus were to come visit us in bodily form right now, he will chastise us all because we have not fully obeyed the master’s voice to make disciples of all nations.

I know a lot of you are troubled. I have heard people say that this is the last time you might be seeing my face because I am going to serve miles away.

Well, that’s true. When I got the letter informing me of my departure to that place, there was this cold shiver down my spine because going there is like living in an Island inhabited by wicked spirits in high places.

Well, when I regained composure, I sought consolation from The Bible and it flipped open abruptly opened to this verse: Isaiah 41:10 New King James Version (NKJV)

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

That verse set my soul on fire and I could feel the Holy Spirit reminding that he will always stand by me and that I am more than a conqueror!

But please don’t stop praying for me because your prayers will make a difference.

If our God was able to rescue Daniel from the mouth of the lions, then he will rescue me from the men whose sole aim in life is to harass God’s servants. And your prayers can make it all possible.

If Christ offered to die on the world, so I am ready to be offered because for me to live is Christ and to die is gain!''

Do you think this is good? Whatever it is, this is absolutely heartfelt!

That brings me to the next point and that’s got to do with…

Watching Videos!

Just go to any one of the video sharing platforms and type in the search bar---farewell speech by a pastor, priest or nun and you will find many examples to choose from.

Next, please press the play button to watch a few of them and listen to interesting and boring ones and put down ideas and phrases speaks to your heart.

Another area to get an idea from is to…

Go Find Your Old Script

Do you still have copies of your own final address you delivered sometime back?

Please go find it and see if these new insights can help you make it sound more touching and meaningful.

Another area which can be a well spring of idea is to

Copy This Quote From The Pope.

Let’s see how Pope Benedict XVI used one particular quote by Romano Guardino, an Italian-born Germany catholic priest to write his final address.

Let’s dive right in:

''Together we may thank the Lord who has enabled us to grow in communion and, together, pray him to help us to grow even more in this profound unity, so that the College of Cardinals may be like an orchestra where differences — an expression of the universal Church — contribute to a superior and harmonious concord.

I would like to leave you a simple thought, which is deep in my heart: a thought about the Church, about her mystery, that constitutes for us all — we can say — the reason and passion for life.

I will allow a sentence of Romano Guardini to help me. It was written in the very same year that the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council approved the Constitution Lumen Gentium, in his last book, which also a personal dedication to me — which makes the words of this book particularly dear to me.

Guardini says the Church “is not an institution conceived and built in theory... but a living reality.... She lives through the course of time, in becoming, like every living being, in undergoing change.... And yet in her nature she remains ever the same and her heart is Christ.''

Let’s pause here and use the quote written by Romano Guardini.

Guardini says that the Church '' is not an institution conceived and built in theory... but a living reality.... She lives through the course of time, in becoming, like every living being, in undergoing change.... And yet in her nature she remains ever the same and her heart is Christ.''

Well, using those lines remind me of how quotes help enrich any written piece. Do you know of any good ones?

I think every preacher should have them at his or her fingertips.

Bible verses can help and I have tried to look for quotes that will help you come up with ideas. The last quote however is by Shakespeare.

Here they are:

Acts 20:37-38: ''And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.''

2 Corinthians 13:11-12; ''Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you''

2 Thessalonians 3:16 : ''Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all''

''The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace''- (Numbers 6: 24-26 NKJV)

''Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.''-- (Philippians 4:6)

''If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. (Matthew 6: 30''

Acts 2:17 New International Version (NIV)

^''In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.''

''Forever, and forever, farewell, Cassius! If we do meet again, why, we shall smile; If not, why then this parting was well made.''--- William Shakespeare

My dear brother or sister in Christ,

Crafting something compelling with any of those quotes shouldn’t be that hard. Can you give a try?

Ok, don’t you worry because…

I Have Another Example For You!

I just want to make things much easier, so here’s another example for you.

''The church today like the church of old is going through challenging times.

The cruel and unfriendly wind of the world continually blows and it makes the heart of men grow cold and faint.

But one thing is certain. Scriptures assures us in these last days he will pour out his spirit on all flesh( Acts 2:17)

With that comforting assurance, we ought to press on and hold on to the true profession of our faith which is worth more than the combined treasures of the earth.

For soon…very soon Christ will appear to give to every one of us seated here what we deserved as laborers in the Lord’s vineyard.''

So, ask yourself…what I can do to make the church a more fitting place where the hopeless and oppressed can find blissful rest and freedom from the shackles of the devil?

Want me to go on? No…else you will be a lazy student.

Make Sure You Get This Proven Resource

Getting proven farewell speech samples and modeling your speech after them is by far my favorite way of writing any speech because it makes things much easier.

Well, let me remind that the theme, tone and structure of examples might be different from what you have in mind.

I really like Pope Benedict XIV’S farewell message and it’s worthy of our study because it’s very touching and inspiring.

Here’s an extract

Section A

''Thank you for coming in such large numbers to this last General Audience of my pontificate.

Like the Apostle Paul in the biblical text that we have heard, I feel in my heart the paramount duty to thank God, who guides the Church and makes her grow: who sows His Word and thus nourishes the faith in His people.

At this moment my spirit reaches out to embrace the whole Church throughout the world, and I thank God for the “news” that in these years of Petrine ministry

I have been able to receive regarding the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and the charity that circulates in the body of the Church – charity that makes the Church to live in love – and of the hope that opens for us the way towards the fullness of life, and directs us towards the heavenly homeland…''

Section B

''When, almost eight years ago, on April 19th, [2005]

I agreed to take on the Petrine ministry, I held steadfast in this certainty, which has always accompanied me. In that moment, as I have already stated several times, the words that resounded in my heart were: “Lord, what do you ask of me?

It's a great weight that You place on my shoulders, but, if You ask me, at your word I will throw out the nets, sure that you will guide me” – and the Lord really has guided me. He has been close to me: daily could I feel His presence. [These years] have been a stretch of the Church’s pilgrim way, which has seen moments joy and light, but also difficult moments.''

Section C

''I have felt like St. Peter with the Apostles in the boat on the Sea of Galilee: the Lord has given us many days of sunshine and gentle breeze, days in which the catch has been abundant; [then] there have been times when the seas were rough and the wind against us, as in the whole history of the Church it has ever been - and the Lord seemed to sleep.

Nevertheless, I always knew that the Lord is in the barque, that the barque of the Church is not mine, not ours, but His - and He shall not let her sink...''

Section D

''We are in the Year of Faith, which I desired in order to strengthen our own faith in God in a context that seems to push faith more and more toward the margins of life.

Section E

I wish my greetings and my thanks to reach everyone: the heart of a Pope expands to [embrace] the whole world. I would like to express my gratitude to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, which makes present the great family of nations. Here I also think of all those who work for good communication, whom I thank for their important service.

At this point I would like to offer heartfelt thanks to all the many people throughout the whole world, who, in recent weeks have sent me moving tokens of concern, friendship and prayer.

Yes, the Pope is never alone: now I experience this [truth] again in a way so great as to touch my very heart. The Pope belongs to everyone, and so many people feel very close to him. It’s true that I receive letters from the world's greatest figures - from the Heads of State, religious leaders, and representatives of the world of culture and so on.

I also receive many letters from ordinary people who write to me simply from their heart and let me feel their affection, which is born of our being together in Christ Jesus, in the Church… Thank you

You might be wondering how that will inspire you to write your own speech.

Not hard….not hard at all. Let’s break it down section by section and see how that can be done

Section A---He offers gratitude to God: ‘''Thank you for coming in such large numbers to this last General Audience of my pontificate.

Like the Apostle Paul…the paramount duty to thank God''

Take home point: Your duty is to follow suit and tailor it to your personal experiences.

Section B---He recounts his early years in office: ''When, almost eight years ago, on April 19th, [2005],

I agreed to take on the Petrine ministry…''

Take home point: Just follow suit and tailor it to your personal experiences.

Section C---His experiences on his mission: ''I have felt like St. Peter with the Apostles in the boat on the Sea of Galilee:''

Take home point: Just follow suit and tailor it to your personal experiences.

Section D: His admonition to the congregation:
''We are in the Year of Faith, which I desired in order to strengthen our own faith in God in a context that seems to push faith more…I would like to invite everyone to renew firm trust in the Lord''

Take home point: Just follow suit and tailor it to your personal experiences.

Section E: Expression of appreciation to everyone and he mentions particular names: I wish my greetings and my thanks to reach everyone: the heart of a Pope expands to [embrace] the whole world. I would like to express my gratitude to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See…’’

Take home point: Just follow suit and tailor it to your personal experiences.

Sorry, did I tell you the incredible story of how loving pastors or nuns like you are writing best farewell speeches without lifting their fingers? And how you too can do same?You've got to listen

What do you think is the best gift you can give the congregation before you leave for good?

You will agree with me when i say so because GOd's word makes it all possible for every man to live according to his standard.

As you leave, you have to leave on a favorable note and your parting words will make them remember you the most.

(This is someone we helped with her farewell speech.Please you can double click on the image if you can't see it clearly)

Granted, giving a heartfelt speech is certainly different from a sermon. While a sermon exhorts, a send off speech is more about you telling everyone how your tenure has been like.

We know how hard coming up with the right words to help you say something sweet and memorable can be.

That’s why we are giving you a rare chance to come up with something inspiring and funny without pulling your hair out!

Want to get on board? You should by first clicking here to fill out a simple and short questionnaire!

(This is another person we've helped with her speech. Please you can double click on the image if you can't see it clearly)

Ok, Is This Offer For Me?

Yes, if you really want to say something sweet, unique,heartfelt and inspiring.

Yes, it’s for you if you are overwhelmed by the pressures of work or other things and really don’t have the time to put a beautiful speech together.

Yes you have to get on board; if you don’t know how to start or are not too sure if you can

Yes, if you always give a sermon before you leave but want to make a real difference this time.

Yes, if you honestly feel writing and giving speeches is simply not your thing!

Yes, if you are still struggling to find the right words and ideas to say something memorable.

Yes, if you have a day or less to go and you feel that you are under pressure and might make some horrible mistakes!

Yes, if you are a good writer or speaker but you still want a highly skilled professional to look over or review what you've come up with!