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