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]
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
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
Additional Resources for Congregations
Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
122 West Franklin Avenue, Suite 400 Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 870-0058