TRANSITIONS - Pastoral Change

 

Pastoral change is a part of church life, particularly for United Methodists. The conference has scheduled seminars and has a team of trained facilitators ready to help congregations and clergy navigate the waters of pastoral appointment change.

 While pastoral transition can be stormy, smooth sailing is possible. TRANSITIONS seminars for clergy and church leadership teams, can help. Presentations will vary, but will include how to:

  • Develop good goodbyes and healthy hellos
  • Manage the emotional/relational impact. 
  • Understand grief that can come with change. 
  • Help cope with a variety of reactions.

Theories and research behind transition and role expectations will be explored. Best practices and many resources will be offered.

The seminars are free and should benefit both clergy and laity, especially leaders of staff-parish relations committees, church councils and lay leaders. 

The TRANSITIONS Team also can offer help throughout the year. Trained leaders available include: 

  • Brad Lauster, pastor of Indiana Grace UMC, who for his doctorate dissertation created a Bible study for congregations grieving in transition. Contact him at blauster@indianagrace.org.
  • Jaime Potter Alvarez, retired pastor and former district superintendant, can consult by e-mail at onlyme1118@aol.com.
  • Barb Lewis, coordinator for the WPAUMC Health as Wholeness Team, a nurse and pastor's spouse, offers a variety of transition resources, particularly for clergy families. Write her at bal_shalom@hotmail.com.

The following team members are also available for continuing conversation:

Dates and locations for TRANSITIONS are: 

Apr 28  Wed, 7:00-9:00 pm                Monroeville UMC (219 Center Rd  15146)
May 5  Wed, 7:00-9:00 pm                 Edinboro UMC (113 High St  16142)
May 11, Tue, 7:00-9:00 pm                First UMC in Clarion (600 Wood St  16214)
May 19, Wed, 7:00-9:00 pm               Mercer UMC (250 E Butler St  16137)
May 27*, Thur, 7:00-9:00 pm             United Methodist Center (1204 Freedom Rd, Cranberry Twp 16066)
      * Sign language interpretter available
June 2, Wed,  7:00-9:00 pm              Marienville UMC (N Forest St & Maple St 16239)
June 9, Wed, 7:00-9:00 pm               Grove City College during Annual Conference 2010 Laity Academy

Register for the seminar of your choice using the links above. Childcare is available by reservation.

Click here to download the TRANSITIONS brochure to share with others in your congregation.

TRANSITIONS is a ministry of the Western Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Questions? Contact Beth Nelson at 800.886.3382, X228 or beth.nelson@wpaumc.org.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

1. Download and read a document by Bishop Thomas J. Bicketon on the clergy appointment process.

2. Check out 50 Ways to Welcome your New Senior or Associate Pastor.

3. Several books to consider regarding transition in all parts of life including pastoral appointments for clergy AND congregation. The links go to the Cokesbury.com link for each resource.

4. Read an interview with William Bridges is an author, consultant and speaker on TRANSITIONS. Click here.