During the Transitional Process there are 8 goals that are recommended so that a congregation experiences the full benefit of a pastoral change and takes advantage of the opportunity for change is not wasted.
1. There is the need for closure.
Congregations need to deal with the past in such a way that it doesn’t hinder or restrict what God is wanting to do in the future. A Transitional Leader counsels & helps people deal with their grief and loss – as well encourages them celebrate the past and learn to let go in a healthy way so they can move on.
2. There is the need for relevant preaching & clear communication.
During a pastoral transition, a congregation needs preaching that goes beyond pulpit supply to providing messages from God designed with this congregation in mind.
3. There is the need for short term administration.
The transitional leader ensures that the management function is being done either by themselves or someone else.
4. There is the need for pastoral care.
During a transition, a congregation needs a transitional leader who ensures that people are cared for even if he or she does not fulfill that function.
5. There is the opportunity for relational renewal.
Relationship renewal refers to the connections of the congregation with God and with other members of the body. During a transition, the opportunity is there to renew, restore and revive any weak or poorly functioning connections.
6. There is the opportunity for vision renewal.
Since healthy churches have a vision and an action plan to bring it into reality, a time of transition can be a time for the whole congregation to listen and discern what God is saying to them. It can be a healthy process for the church to see where God is leading them so that their next pastor can be the kind of leader that fits who they are and where they want to go.
7. There is the opportunity for structural renewal.
If the structures of a church are mismatched or in need of review, a time of transition is an excellent time to renew them – for the purpose of achieving their mission.
8. A transitional leader supports a congregation through a search process.
There’s no denying that God has a specific senior leader for every church that is listening and responding to Him. The greater prepared the church is to move forward in a healthy way, the more successful the search process will become.
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