When I lead a seminar, I share resources. Below, you will find links to documents for resources from specific events.
The Changeover Zone Webinar
COVID-19 Supplement to The Right Start
The Right Start: Beginning Ministry in a New Setting
COVID-19 Supplement
Passing the Baton Resources and Videos
Celebrating Pastoral Transitions During COVID-19
Below are a few examples of videos that were done as a way to “Pass the Baton” and introduce new pastors to the new congregation virtually.
We would love to hear other ideas about the creative ways churches are making this virtual transition. If you or the church you are going to does not have these capabilities, there may be other churches or agencies, like the Georgia Commission on Higher Education Creative Services or Good News TV in Macon, who could help.
New Pastor’s Pre-introduction to Children
New Pastor’s Pre-introduction to Small Groups
Passing the Baton Blacksburg UMC
A Message From Yvi Martin, incoming senior pastor at PWUMC
Tara Paul’s Introduction Video
Jonathan Andersen and Steven Usry from the Harvest Point Transition
The big thing I always tell people is that the success of the transition is largely dependent on the outgoing pastor. If they’re not willing to show videos, setup meetings, show you around, etc., then it won’t go great. But if they’re secure enough to help do all of those things, like Steven was, then the chances for success are huge. We also did a meet and greet night where Steven introduced me, prayed for me, left, then allowed me to talk more and meet the people of the church. This went a long way to ease anxiety. Plus, they had already seen me in all of the videos and had connection points for discussion.
Jonathan Anderson
Matthew Mitchell and Steven Usry
Neighbors to the North – From One Church in another conference, Blacksburg, VA
Neighbors to the South – Frazer Memorial In Montgomery AL
Amazing Grace Cardboard Testimonials
Repurposing Churches
Discontinuation of a Local Church
Paragraph 213: Study Task Force Report (Faith UMC, Farmington, MN)
Paragraph 213: Task Force Report on Discontinuation (Key Memorial UMC)