A Workshop for Leaders of Churches in Transition May 13, 2017 Beginning Well A Workshop for Leaders of Churches in Transition May 13, 2017

1 Corinthians 3: 4-11 4 Some of you say that you follow me, and others claim to follow Apollos. Isn’t that how ordinary people behave? 5 Apollos and I are merely servants who helped you to have faith. It was the Lord who made it all happen. 6 I planted the seeds, Apollos watered them, but God made them sprout and grow. 7 What matters isn’t those who planted or watered, but God who made the plants grow. 8 The one who plants is just as important as the one who waters. And each one will be paid for what they do. 9 Apollos and I work together for God, and you are God’s garden and God’s building. 10 God was kind and let me become an expert builder. I laid a foundation on which others have built. But we must each be careful how we build, 11 because Christ is the only foundation. Introductions – Bonnie

Image found at: http://saintjohnwellesley

Leadership Standards What does it mean to be a spiritual leader in this process? Bonnie

Making the Handoff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFgpa4bMgxc Video found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFgpa4bMgxc

4 Key Challenges of Pastoral Transitions Personal Professional Leadership Congregational Four Key Challenges in Pastoral Transitions by Lovett Weems – Pastoral Leadership Series – Lewis Center for Church Leadership www.churchleadership.com Challenge accepted meme

Saying Goodbye

Thinking About Where I Am?

Releasing Ourselves and Each Other for New Ministry BOW “Order of Farewell to a Pastor or Deacon”

Break

What do I do with these Post-Its? Take notes With an eye to building a plan with dates, events, activities Me

Things to remember as you plan the handoff Highlights from Joe Kenaston, Dean of the Cabinet

Making the Handoff Video of Greg Markins and Mark Smith Amy

Lunch Bonnie

Making the Handoff Video of Okey Harless and Teresa Markins

Living into the new reality with a plan 6 weeks to transition Helping the congregation understand Helping the congregation say goodbye and hello Bringing some closure to pastoral relationships Using spiritual disciplines and the means of grace as tools for this journey Managing the nuts and bolts

Starting off on the right foot

4 Key Challenges of Pastoral Transitions Personal Professional Leadership Congregational Repeat of Lewis Center info

Strategies for Managing stress Remember the acronym HALT – Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired During a move period, when establishing a new support system, it may be a good time to consider talking with a trained counselor. This is also a good option for your family. Contact Ravi Isaiah for information about funds available to clergy for counseling – 304. 388.4290.

Social Media Plan Think before you post – HALT – Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired – Post positive things Celebrate ministry Don’t comment on your former appointment relationships for a period of time Call on Amy for FB example

New pastors position themselves as learners “The incoming pastor must work to earn trust and respect, discern the church’s cultural nuances and practices, discern it’s ministry and mission, as well as build relationships with the key people who make ministry happen.” The Changeover Zone – Ozier and Griffith

Conduct a Listening Tour Church leaders set up the groups and schedule in consultation with incoming pastor. Try to have as many off church property as possible. Have a church leader serve as guide and note-taker during the meeting. Church members and staff issue invitations and receive RSVPs. Slides 21 – 26 primarily come from The Changeover Zone - Jim Ozier and Jim Griffith (Chapter 10 – Receiving the Handoff)

Possible Listening Tour Questions One thing I need to know about church? One way we are going to reach new people? One dream you have for our church One thing you are afraid I might do? One question you would like to ask me? Use what you hear and learn in sermons, announcements, conversation and meetings. Listen for themes and ideas to explore. Slides 21 – 26 primarily come from The Changeover Zone - Jim Ozier and Jim Griffith (Chapter 10 – Receiving the Handoff)

“Way to Go” Notes Invite a group of church veterans to meet at the church once a week. Go over newspapers and other community news. Write notes to those in the community and church who have done good things and have something to celebrate – telling them “Way to Go!” This helps the new pastor build relationships and knowledge – and it’s FUN! Slides 21 – 26 primarily come from The Changeover Zone - Jim Ozier and Jim Griffith (Chapter 10 – Receiving the Handoff)

Learn Together Study a book together – a leadership book, a bible study, a book of the Bible. Some suggestions: Anatomy of Peace – Arbinger Institute Leadership and Self-Deception- Arbinger Institute Discipleship Essentials - Ogden Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition - Harper Slides 21 – 26 primarily come from The Changeover Zone - Jim Ozier and Jim Griffith (Chapter 10 – Receiving the Handoff)

Planning Sermons Introduce yourself and your family in real life vignettes. Include humor as a way to get through resistance and anxiety. Reveal your heart and passion. Demonstrate your character, personality and professionalism. Share favorite scripture and how you apply the Bible to daily life. Lift up community history and values to connect with the congregation. Indicate how much you care about your new church and are excited to be here. Remember that this is summer – people are on vacation – don’t be afraid to repeat. Slides 21 – 26 primarily come from The Changeover Zone - Jim Ozier and Jim Griffith (Chapter 10 – Receiving the Handoff)

Practice Humor, Gratitude and Prayer

Build a 6 Month Plan Point to handouts 6 SPR meetings Pastor’s vacation Rest – care for body

Questions and Evaluation

Closing Worship

Questions? Contact Your District Superintendent Director of Leadership Formation and Ministry Support– Rev. Bonnie MacDonald – bmacdonald@wvumc.org Director of Evangelism and Congregational Development – Rev. Amy Shanholtzer – ashanholtzer@wvumc.org