Intro to transitional ministry

© Pathways Forward Transitional Ministry Consulting 2011, 2014

A Resource for Churches in Transition

The Big Idea

© Pathways Forward Transitional Ministry Consulting 2011

Seasons of transition are windows of opportunity for churches to experience spiritual renewal, increased health, and

focused vision and mission prior to engaging in the pastoral search.

A Vision for Churches in TransitionA Vision for Churches in Transition

To help churches thrive in transition by providing leadership, resources, and support.

To call a lead pastor from a posture of greater health with clarity of values, vision, and mission.


The Ultimate ObjectiveThe Ultimate Objective

To welcome a new Lead Pastor…

To a healthy church that has experienced renewal –spiritually, relationally, organizationally, operationally

Who has been hired through a thoughtful and collaborative search process in dependence on the Holy Spirit’s guidance


The Ultimate Objective

To welcome a new Lead Pastor . . . .

To a healthy church that has experienced renewal – spiritually, relationally, organizationally and operationally.

Who has been hired through a thoughtful, collaborative search process in dependence on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.


Important Features Transitional leaders help the church have the

time, guidance and support needed to address key issues while continuing on in ministry.

Transitional Pastor or Coach is never a candidate. The congregation understands and collaborates

with a Transitional approach. The role of the Lead Pastor in Vision/Mission is

made clear prior to search.


Major Phases of Transition


Regaining Stability Assessment of Church Health Developing a Transitional Plan Preparing for the Pastoral Search Conducting the Pastoral Search Hiring a Lead Pastor Evaluation of the process

Ongoing Prayer & Ministry

Not necessarily a step-by-step process

Vision Renewal

Structural Renewal

Relational Renewal

Pastoral Preaching

Transitional Leadership Ministry

Exit of Previous Pastor

Search

Entrance of New Pastor

Pastoral Admin

Pastoral Care

ClosureAssess

7 Guiding Questions Who were we? Who are we now? How do we interface with culture? What is our context? What is the Lead Pastor’s role in Vision? Who do we hope to become? What kind of leader do we need?


A New Paradigm A Health-Based approach Transition as a season of growth and renewal Transition as an opportunity for meaningful

change Transitional Leaders trained as specialists Engaging in a thoughtful pastoral search from a

place of health and clarity of mission and vision Providing support to avoid Board and staff burn

out© Pathways Forward Transitional Ministry Consulting 2011

The Traditional Interim Paradigm Tends to be a maintenance approach: Pastoral care and rites of passage Pulpit supply Some short term administration Usually not involved in governance matters Not engaged in the search process Sometimes became a potential candidate


The Transitional Paradigm

Transitional Pastoral Goals• Relevant preaching/communication• Facilitate congregational care/short-term administration• Provide support for staff, church board and key leaders


The Transitional Paradigm Transitional Leadership Goals • Healthy closure to the past • Spiritual, Relational, Organizational and Operational

renewal• Clarity of Vision and Mission • Thorough preparation for the search process• An effective Lead Pastor search from a posture of

health• Helping the new Lead Pastor to start well


Transitional Leadership Models

• A Transitional Pastor provides on site pastoral leadership and leads the Transitional Process

• A Transitional Coach guides the church through the phases of Transition - works in combination with an Interim Lead Pastor who is supportive of the Transition Process


Important Features• Search process does not proceed until agreed upon key indicators of health are achieved. • Denominational co-operation encouraged. • Usually a 6-18 month process.• Stellar communication with the congregation.• Build on areas of health within the church.


The Ultimate ObjectiveTo welcome a new Lead Pastor . . . .

To a healthy church that has experienced renewal spiritually, relationally, organizationally.

Who has been hired through a thoughtful, collaborative search process in dependence on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.


Intro to transitional ministry

Leadership & Management

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