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

2. 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

3. Image found at: http://saintjohnwellesley

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

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

6. 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
Challenge accepted meme

7. Saying Goodbye

8. Thinking About Where I Am?

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

10. Break

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

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

13. Making the Handoff
Video of Greg Markins and Mark Smith
Amy

14. Lunch
Bonnie

15. Making the Handoff
Video of Okey Harless and Teresa Markins

16. 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

17. Starting off on the right foot

18. 4 Key Challenges of Pastoral Transitions
Personal
Professional
Leadership
Congregational
Repeat of Lewis Center info

19. 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 –

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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)

23. 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)

24. “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)

25. 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)

26. 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)

27. Practice Humor, Gratitude and Prayer

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

29. Questions and Evaluation

30. Closing Worship

31. Questions? Contact Your District Superintendent
Director of Leadership Formation and Ministry Support–
Rev. Bonnie MacDonald –
Director of Evangelism and Congregational Development –
Rev. Amy Shanholtzer –