Pastoral Transition
At one time or another, every church will find themselves needing to find a new pastor. It can be an overwhelming task—Where do we start? What steps do we need to take? What does this all entail?
To help churches effectively navigate the season of transition that can be filled with angst, the Wyoming Ministry Network has compiled a wealth of resources in the Pastoral Transition Manual. The principles and practices contained in the manual have been gathered from the best resources, books, manuals, and thinking of knowledgeable leaders. They have been successfully implemented by hundreds of churches to help them in their search for their next shepherd. There are several forms, letters, evaluation tools and other practical helps included so that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. We have provided them in an electronic format that can be copied or modified to help you succeed.
We realize that each church is unique. What works for one, may not work for another. So make the manual work for you. Prayerfully draw from the resources that fit your context, feeling free to customize anything for your needs.
The first resource that is listed is the entire manual itself. After that, there are groupings for the different phases and practical tools for the transition process. Digital copies of all the documents the manual describes are contained in these sections.
Finally yet importantly, we want to walk with you during this time of change. You are not alone. We are here to partner with you. If there is anything we can do to be of help, do not hesitate to contact us at 307-234-4102 or office@wyomingministrynetwork.com.
Pastoral Transition Manual
- Search Team Meeting Sample Agenda
- Job Description for Pastoral Search Team
- Board-Pastoral Search Team Commitment
- Church Member Commitment
- Search Team Planning Retreat
- Church Profile
- Pastor Profile
- Congregational Survey
- Podcast for Congregants – 6 Ways to Support Your Church in Transition
- Transition Budget Worksheet (Sample only: contact the office for the interactive spreadsheet)
- Letter Retaining Paid Pastoral and Support Staff during Transition
- Letter to Community Leaders
- Letter to Guest Speakers
- Letter Asking Network – District Offices and Others for Recommendations
- Letter to a Person Recommending a Candidate
- Letter to Acknowledge Receipt of Resume
- Request to Complete Pastoral Questionnaire
- Letter to Non-Selected Candidates
- Letter to a Recruited Candidate Who Expressed Interest
- Letter to Candidate Dismissed After Interview(s)
- Notification of Candidate to the Church Body
- Notification to the Wyoming Ministry Network
