Beginning ministry together : the Alban handbook for clergy transitions /
Roy M. Oswald and James M. Heath, Ann W. Heath.
- [Bethesda, Md.] : Alban Institute, 2003.
- 148 p.; 26 cm.
Contents: I. Pathway through transition Structuring meetings for effective committee work The governing board in a pastoral transition The transition committee Saying farewell to the pastor Meetings with judicatory staff Holding exit conversations Interim pastoral services The search committee The congregation profile Identifying what to look for in a new pastor Maintaining confidentiality Developing a pool of candidates Tracking information about candidates Communicating with candidates Talking with candidates Working toward a final list of candidates Making background checks Candidate visits to the congregation Working out a contract with the new pastor Welcoming the new pastor Telling your pastor about the congregation's history Discovering the congregation's norms Evaluating the ministry of pastor and congregation II. Enriching Transition Making the most of the interim period The role of transition companion Leadership changes during and after a pastoral transition Transition in multi-congregation linkages When the departing pastor stays in town Sample questions for exit conversations Survey questions for a congregation profile Questions for reflection on the transition process A ritual for ending a pastorate A service for ending a pastoral relationship III. Clergy experiencing transition Surviving a farewell Coping with the stress of transition Transitions for clergy spouses Forming a pastor/parish relations committee Discovering the psychological contracts of members The "honeymoon period" of new pastorate Preparing to make changes Power analysis of a congregation Starting up as a redevelopment pastor