The Right Start: Pastor’s Version

$55.00

Also available: The Right Start — Group Training Version

The Right Start: Beginning Ministry in a New Setting is a video-based training resource for clergy preparing to begin ministry in a new setting; the Pastor’s Version is designed for individual use and self study. The resource includes video instructional segments, resources, planning aids, tools, and supplementary materials for planning a successful transition. The current version has been revised and enhanced with new material on the relational aspect of transition, such as how to handle social media and issues of concern to single clergy and associate pastors.

The Right Start - COVID-19 SupplementCOVID-19 Supplement

Includes The Right Start — COVID 19 Supplement, a free guide covering the unique implications for pastoral transition during the pandemic. Download now.

The Right Start: Beginning Ministry in a New Setting — Pastor’s Version is available on download for $59.

Product Description

Presenters

Asa LeeDr. Ann MichelDr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
Dr. Asa Lee, former associate dean of community life of Wesley Theological Seminary
Dr. Ann A. Michel, former associate director of the Lewis Center
Dr. Lovett H. Weems Jr., Lewis Center senior consultant and distinguished professor of church leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary

The Right Start draws on Dr. 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

Video Sample

Clip from Entry into a New Setting — Part 1: Stranger in a Foreign Land

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Sample Handouts and Worksheet

Please click to enlarge.

Sample Outline - Leaving Well and Preparing the WaySample Worksheet - Personal Transition PlanSample Diagram - Mission to Vision


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