Pastoral Transitions

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Each summer, many United Methodist clergy and their families move to a new ministry setting. At the same time, congregations say goodbye to their pastor and get ready to welcome a new pastor. Prayer is needed for everyone involved.

In the United Methodist Church, all clergy are appointed to their places of ministry by the bishop for one year (July 1-June 30). The majority are reappointed to the same church multiple times. A variety of factors are considered in making an appointment, including which gifts match which ministry setting. (Find more information about the appointment process.)

According to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, there are four stages of a pastoral transition. Such transitions can be a bit scary for the pastor and the congregation, but they allow for great new opportunities for both. To make for an effective and enjoyable transition, it’s important to embrace the journey and the changes that accompany it.

Below are a variety of excellent and free resources to help local churches and pastors as they make this transition—along with scriptures that relate to a time of transition. (If there are other resources you’ve found helpful, email them to [email protected].)

Contact

Jody Thone, Director of Leadership Development [email protected]
Martha Rockenstein, Connectional Ministries Program Assistant [email protected]

Endings

Ending Well Clergy Training: These resources are designed to guide clergy through an appointment change.

Conference Moving Resources for Clergy: These resources are helpful for those clergy who are moving due to an appointment change. 

Access 2024 Annual Conference Moving Policy

Contact information:

Mike Dyrdal, Moving Coordinator
2649 Boulder Way, Burnsville, MN  55337
Phone: 612-239-7988 (mobile) / email: [email protected]

Jon Archbold (or Aaron Archbold), Metcalf-Mayflower
1255 East Hwy 36, St. Paul, MN 55109
Phone: 651-484-0211 (toll free 1-800-866-3113) / fax: 651-484-0134 / email: [email protected]​

Additional Resources for Clergy

• We recommend clergy make use of Reflective Supervision
• So, You’re Moving: Guidance for Pastors and Churches in Leadership Transitions
• Tips to Help Pastors and Families on the Move
• Four Key Challenges in Pastoral Transitions
• Social Media and Pastoral Moves
• 50 Ways to Improve Pastoral Transitions

Startings

Starting Strong Clergy Training: The Starting Strong workshop gives clergy a time to step away from day-to-day ministry, to get some perspective and intentionally map out the first year of ministry, to create a space for thoughtful reflection and provide helpful tools that will allow clergy to lead intentionally and build a strong foundation for a long and fruitful ministry in their new context.

The 2024 Starting Strong Training is scheduled for Thursday, August 8, 2024. Details and registration will be announced at a later date.

Additional Resources for Clergy

• The Right Start: Pastor’s Version is a video-based training resource for clergy preparing to begin ministry in a new setting; the Pastor’s Version is designed for individual use and self-study. $55, downloadable.
• How Incoming Pastors Can Navigate the Changeover Zone
• A Guide to Pastoral Transitions (Part 1 — The First 30 Days)
• A Guide to Pastoral Transitions (Part 2 — Day 31 and Beyond)
• Eleven Questions for Getting to Know a New Congregation
• Why First Impression Really Do Matter​

Additional Resources for Congregations

• 50 Ways to Welcome Your New Pastor or Associate Pastor
• 40 Ways to Welcome Your New Pastor
• Suggestions for Churches with a Young Pastor
• Suggestions for Churches with a Single Pastor
• What Your New Pastor Wants You to Know
• 7 Ways to Welcome Your New Pastor

Scripture for a Time of Transition

• I Corinthians 1: 3-9: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
• Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
• Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
• Ephesians 2:10: For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
• 1 Peter 5:7: Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
• Matthew 6:33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.