Presenters
Dr. Asa Lee, associate dean of community life of Wesley Theological Seminary
Dr. Ann A. Michel, associate director of the Lewis Center
Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., distinguished professor of church leadership and director of the Lewis Center
The Right Start draws on Dr. Lovett H. Weems’ many years of experience in leading transition workshops across the country as well as the Lewis Center’s research and expertise on pastoral transition.
Subjects Covered
- Stages of a Pastoral Move
- Leaving Well and Preparing the Way
- Entry into a New Setting
- The Start Up Period
- The Emotional Dimensions of Transitions
- Formulating a Personal Transition Plan
- Instructional Segments
-
Introduction: Stages of a Pastoral Move
- Video Presentation (5 min)
- Chart on Stages of a Pastoral Move
Leaving Well and Preparing the Way
- Video Presentation (15 min)
- Outline
- Personal Transition Plan Worksheet
Entry into a New Setting (three parts)
Part 1: Stranger in a Foreign Land
- Video Segment (6 min)
- Outline
Part 2: Your First Days and Weeks
- Video Segment (10 min)
- Outline
Part 3: Avoiding the Predecessor Syndrome
- Video Segment (5 min)
- Outline
Summary
- Personal Transition Plan Worksheet
The Start-up Period
- Video Presentation (18:30 min)
- Chart on Mission and Vision
- Outline
- Personal Transition Plan Worksheet
The Emotional Dimensions of Transition (two parts)
Part 1: The Personal Dimensions of Transition
- Video Presentation (8 min)
- Outline
- “All Things New” by Bishop Sally Dyck
Part 2: The Relational Aspects of Transition
- Video Presentation
- Outline
- Entering as an Associate Pastor
- Issues Single Clergy Face
- Social Media and Pastoral Moves
Summary
- Personal Transition Plan Worksheet
Supplementary Resources
- Four Key Challenges in Pastoral Transitions, article by Lovett H. Weems
- Moving to a Large Church for the First Time, by Lovett H. Weems
- Rituals and Liturgies for Ending and Beginning, by Susan Sonnenday Vogel
- Sermon Starters and Children’s Messages
- Sample Sermon for a First Sunday, by Michael Roberts
- 50 Ways to Welcome a New Pastor, a Lewis Center resource for congregations
- Resource List
