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Pastoral transitions are a normal part of Parish life. (See Good Parting, Item XIX). Transitions involve cycles of identification and disidentification as well as cycles of vision, satisfaction, disappointment, and recommitment. Clergy and congregation are going through cycles of identification and disidentification with each other. Congregations are made up of hundreds of individuals, each going through that cycle with their clergy person.
Because all of these varying cycles leave unresolved feelings at the time of transition, transitions need to be done well and all have a contribution to make. The parting cleric, the arriving cleric, and the congregation all need time to digest and process their gains and losses. The measurement of gains and losses affects the identity of each of the participants.
An excellent book on the subject is Pastoral Transitions: From Endings to New Beginnings, by Dr. Bud Phillips available through The Centre for Study of Church and Ministry, 6000 Iona Drive, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6T 1L4.
Ways The Departing Rector Can Help:
1. Do not leave so soon that your congregation cannot say goodbye properly.
2. Do not take so long to leave that you are exhausted by saying goodbye over and over again.
3. Leave a good set of records, parish lists, and an outline of normal procedures for the interim or your successor.
4. Own the decision to leave and move on to a new endeavour.
5. Affirm the parish’s identity and reassure them as they enter a time of uncertainty and transition.
What Parishes Can Do:
1. Accept that such transitions are part of life in the Church.
2. Accept that appropriate changes are likely as leadership changes.
3. Help the members deal with their feelings by marking the farewell appropriately.
4. Make sure everything is in order for the interim period.
5. With change, feelings of vulnerability and dislocation are normal.
6. Ask for the Archdeacon, Regional Dean, or Synod Office staff to help set up support processes for the Parish, as needed.
7. Take the opportunity to regain and clarify your parish ethos and vision through the preparation of the Parish profile.
8. Make all the necessary provisions for the new ministry - moving costs, rectory, and rectory repairs.
9. Trust those you have chosen to represent you through the process of selecting new leadership.
10. Welcome the new Rector appropriately.
11. Encourage the members of the congregation to take time to bond with the new leader and to refrain from unfair comparisons.
12. Get the focus off the irritants of the process of transition and onto the larger common mission of Jesus Christ.
What The New Rector Can Do:
1. Love people and get to know them before you declare your major changes.
2. Use the "getting to know you" stage for a vigorous round of home visits.
3. Do not make unnecessary changes unless your leadership team is convinced and supportive.
4. Respect the differing views and priorities of your predecessor.
5. Learn and honour the history and vision of the Parish before your arrival.
6. Base changes, not on your need for dominance or control, but the requirements of the common vision emerging.
7. Avoid the "hyper-activity" that renders small things complicated or the "hypo-activity" which leaves a Parish that is eager for a fresh start demoralized and lethargic.
Transitions are very complex operations. There are deep unity issues for all of the participants. It is valuable if all participants take time to think through their special responsibilities. A study of resources on the subject of transitions, such as those from the Alban Institute, can be very useful at this point. Also, look for coaches to help you through.
Item LII
©2003 Ronald C. Ferris
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