Pastoral Transitions - Lewis Center for Church Leadership

Browsing: Pastoral Transitions

Articles

The Lewis Center draws upon years of research and training in offering resources for pastors preparing to move from one congregation to another and for denominational leaders who wish to do regional training to prepare those leaving ministry in one place and beginning in a new setting. We also offer a resource called “The Right Start.”

Videos

Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., and Rev. Dr. F. Douglas Powe, Jr.

February 20, 2017 0

Lewis Center Announces a New Director

We are pleased to announce that effective July 1, the Rev. Dr. F. Douglas Powe, Jr., will become the Director of the Lewis Center for…

Leading Ideas

May 25, 2016 0

Becoming the Person God Created You to Be

Laurie Haller says that clergy going into a new church can only lead effectively when they are authentic to who they know they are and…

Leading Ideas

April 27, 2016 0

How Incoming Pastors Can Navigate the Changeover Zone

In a relay race, the two runners exchanging the baton run in tandem in their changeover zone lane of 20 meters. For most runners, this…

Leading Ideas

April 27, 2016 0

Passing the Baton to Your Pastoral Successor

In a relay race, there is an “incoming” and an “outgoing” runner. At different times, and in different races, runners must play either part. So…

To The Point

September 19, 2015 0

To the Point: Suggestions for Churches with a Clergywoman

Celebrate your new pastor. Know that your new pastor continues a tradition of women in ministry going back to biblical times. Do all that you…

Leading Ideas

June 10, 2015 0

11 Questions for Getting to Know a New Congregation

Bob shares a method for interviewing congregational leaders and others to learn more about a new congregations. He recommends interviewing a broad representation of leaders…

Leading Ideas

May 27, 2015 0

How to Make a Good Entrance

About this time each year, many clergy prepare to begin new work in new places with new people. Some of it will feel familiar. Some…

To The Point

April 24, 2015 0

To the Point: Why Women Are Clergy

The many Christian denominations that ordain women as clergy do so for sound biblical, historical, and theological reasons — even though there are traditions that…

Leading Ideas

Stock photo of a wrought iron welcome sign

June 4, 2014 0

Preparing to Receive a New Pastor

Welcoming a new pastor in genuine and effective ways lays the groundwork for a healthy and vital relationship and for the development of stable, long-term…

To The Point

Stock photo of a young, smiling African American woman

April 8, 2014 0

To the Point: Suggestions for Churches with a Single Pastor

All clergy face many challenges. But single persons in ministry can face a unique set of challenges around maintaining boundaries, privacy, and social connections, particularly…

To The Point

September 10, 2013 0

To the Point: Suggestions for Churches with a Young Pastor

Churches that receive a young pastor need to remember how lucky they are. Many congregations say they want a younger pastor, but few have the…

Leading Ideas

June 8, 2011 0

Three New Books on Effective Pastoral Ministry

The pastoral excellence movement has given rise to a growing body of literature analyzing the nature of effective pastoral ministry and offering advice on how…

Leading Ideas

Stock photo of an African American man pointing something out in an open bible

April 13, 2011 0

Loving Your Old Pastor and Falling in Love with the New Pastor

Churches shouldn’t have to choose whom to love. Congregations can’t be asked to forget the former pastor, forget where he or she led them, and…

Leading Ideas

April 13, 2011 0

First Year Priorities When Pastors Move

How does a pastor gain a congregation’s trust? How does a pastor warrant their respect? These are lessons I have learned through my own experiences…

Leading Ideas

Stock photo of a diverse group of people praying

February 9, 2011 0

What About the Second Pastors in New Congregations?

While many studies report on the work of church planters, few studies examine the experience of “second pastors,” those who follow founding pastors of new…

Leading Ideas

Stock photo of someone running along a beach with four moons and an aurora overhead

May 19, 2010 0

The Four Stages of a Pastoral Transition

A time of transition for a pastor can be both exciting and terrifying. The possibility of a new start with its challenges and opportunities brings…

Leading Ideas

Stock photo of someone's workspace that has a moleskine notebook, a MacBook Air, an iPhone, and a cup of espresso

February 3, 2010 0

Retirement Best Practices for Pastor and Congregation

The retirement of a pastor from his or her ministry is a unique and critical transition involving the pastor, his or her family, the staff,…

Leading Ideas

Stock photo of "MENTOR" carved out of wood

September 1, 2009 0

Clergy Mentor Resources Available

Research and experience both point to the importance of clergy mentoring, particularly in helping those in the early years of ministry. But clergy mentors indicate…

Leading Ideas

June 10, 2009 0

Helping Families Cope during Pastoral Transitions

We are often unaware of the grieving that goes on in our families and our congregations around times of transition. Spouses, for example, may feel…

Leading Ideas

Stock photo of the sun rising or setting over a lake

June 10, 2009 0

All Things New

As I was driving back to my office after taking my husband to the airport, I was a little worried because he was flying on…

Leading Ideas

October 8, 2008 0

Passing the Mantle: Crisis or Opportunity?

Four years ago a new bishop came to serve our area. For the first time in my ministry, I was older than my bishop! Around…

Leading Ideas

Word art that reads "IT'S TIME TO SAY GOODBUY"

May 21, 2008 0

Pastoral Transitions — Leaving Well

If you will be moving to a new congregation this summer, keep in mind the importance of ending your ministry well at your current location.…

Leading Ideas

Stock photo of a white man facing an open window

May 21, 2008 0

Pastoral Transitions — Preparing the Way for Your Successor

Below are some of the best practices related to pastoral transition suggested by several hundred pastors and denominational leaders. Spend quality time with your successor…

Leading Ideas

June 6, 2007 0

A Pastor Describes Her First Day in a New Community

Having attended a workshop on transitioning into a new appointment, I kept remembering the stress put on the importance of your “first official day.” “You…

Leading Ideas

Stock photo of an individual putting an iPhone in a briefcase

April 25, 2007 0

Lessons for Clergy Preparing to Leave a Congregation

Lawrence W. Farris writes that how a pastor leaves a congregation is crucial for the pastor’s future work and well-being as well as for the…

Leading Ideas

Stock photo of the Ten Commandments engraved into a stone wall

April 25, 2007 0

Ten Commandments for Pastors Leaving a Congregation

Lovett Weems recommends a book to help pastors who are ending ministry with a congregation or moving to a new pastoral assignment. Lawrence W. Farris…

Leading Ideas

June 8, 2005 0

Ten Commandments for Pastors New to a Congregation

Lawrence W. Farris has written Ten Commandments for Pastors New to a Congregation, a guide for clergy in their early months and years in a…

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