Transition Resources
All clergy transition appointments and churches welcoming new appointments are invited to take the Pastoral Transition Workshop course, hosted by the Leadership Academy's Teachable platform. This course offers guidance and support for navigating this process.
We recommend that a transition team of 4-6 people that includes key leaders make a commitement to view the material together and discuss plans with the outgoing and incoming pastor.
After taking the course, the transition team is invited to attend a Transition Workshop Q & A. You can find the dates below.
Leadership Academy: Pastoral Transition Workshop
If your United Methodist congregation in Eastern Pennsylvania or Greater New Jersey is going through a pastoral transition, we’re here to help. Our Pastoral Transition Workshop course, hosted by the Leadership Academy’s Teachable platform, offers guidance and support for navigating this process. Enroll now to ensure a smooth transition for your congregation.
Click HERE to begin. The link will take you to our Teachable course.
For Clergy
- 2026 Pastoral Transition Workbook
- 2026 Pastoral Transition Audit
- 2026 Quarterly Check-In Report
- EPA Parsonage Guidelines
- How Incoming Pastors Can Navigate the Changeover Zone
- Getting to Know You: Preparing to Make Your Best Move, 1
- Getting to Know You: Preparing to Make Your Best Move, 2
- Wandering: A Reflection on the Appointment Season
- Making transitions
- A Guide to Pastoral Transitions (Part 1 - The First 30 Days)
- A Guide to Pastoral Transitions (Part 2 – Day 31 and Beyond)
- Tips to Help Pastors and Families on the Move
- Social Media and Pastoral Moves
- 50 Ways to Improve Pastoral Transitions
- Eleven Questions for Getting to Know a New Congregation
- Why First Impression Really Do Matter
- Four Key Challenges in Pastoral Transitions
- Are You Moving? 9 Resources for Church Transitions
For Congregations
- “Relating with Clergy Spouses” (for church leaders) - Video Highlights
- Your New Pastor Wants You to Know
- 50 Ways to Welcome a New Pastor
- 7 Ways to Welcome Your New Pastor
- Suggestions for Churches with a Young Pastor
- Suggestions for Churches with a Single Pastor
Also, for a personal reflection on transitioning churches, read “Fare-thee-well: Moving pastors say goodbye to churches amid waning pandemic” by the Rev. Julia Singleton of EPAUMC (June 24, 2021).
Available for Purchase
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Jigsaw Journey Puzzle: This is an Artos Retreats for-purchase item, but the EPAUMC Board of Benefits will give a Jigsaw Journey puzzle free to help every transitioning clergy family with children. Artos Retreats will send the family a Jigsaw Journey after their appointment change is announced.
- Your Best Move, Robert Kaylor
- "The Right Start: Beginning in Ministry in a New Setting Pastor's Version"
- "The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded" by Michael D. Watkins