The annual pastoral appointment-making season has begun for the Eastern PA Conference Cabinet, as they prayerfully discern and carefully determine clergy leadership for EPAUMC churches. That inevitably will mean some changes and transitions in pastoral appointments, especially as some clergy retire and others are licensed, commissioned and ordained.
Here are some resources and events to assist churches, pastors and their families in making transitions to welcome new leadership, relationships and opportunities for ministry.
Upcoming Events
For Clergy
- 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
Scriptures for a Season of Transition
This resource list is produced by the EPAUMC Connectional Ministries Office.