For many churches, when a Lead Pastor resigns, the urgency to launch into a search becomes a prime directive. Most churches do not have short term or long term succession plans in place, and the pressure to immediately begin seeking for a new leader can overshadow the need to take a more deliberate approach. Times of pastoral transition can be opportunities for your church to experience transformational turning points toward increased health, renewed vision and focus to fullfil the God-given mandate to be a missional community of believers. Churches in transition usually will work though seven major phases that are of the transtion process. These phases are not necessarily followed in a linear in process. Each church will address these areas differently based on their needs and context.
Regaining Stability
Assessment of Church Health
Developing a Transitional Plan
Preparing for the Pastoral Search
Conducting the Pastoral Search
Hiring the Pastor
Evaluation
When faced with a season without a Lead Pastor churches can sieze the opportunity to develop a transition plan for ongoing ministry while they explore important questions prior to engaging in a pastoral search. The District office can assist your church through the season of transition with transitional coaching and trained transitional pastors who can come alongside to help effectively guide your church through the transition.
