Transitions in Church Ministry
The summer can be a time for transitions. Some of our recent grads from our theological seminaries are in the process of discerning the people to whom they are being called by the Spirit. It is an exciting time and an anxious one too. We see you - if this is you. And we are here for you if you need a listening ear.
Let me offer a few pearls as you travel this road… and end with a nugget for those who aren’t going anywhere but who might like a fresh start where they are already planted. Please notice that I’m writing this with a lens to anyone in ministry(or life really) while some of the resources may focus obviously on congregational ministry.
First, if you are able and if “it seems good to the Spirit”, manage your transitions well.
Perhaps you are open for adventure and dramatic change - go for it… there are many ministry contexts looking for the right person. Maybe finding somewhere close to supports would be better for you - perfect. I think a seminal work related to navigating change is William Bridges, Managing Transitions - it is an oldy but a goody and has been revised over the years. You can find a collection of his book from Managing Transitions to others at William Bridges Associates website. I’d encourage you to check one of those out, not only to become more aware of what you might experience in your ministry context as you begin but also to become familiar with what you personally might be experiencing as you make this significant change in your usual routine.
On a related note, for those in congregational ministry, I’d encourage you to plan now for your first continuing education request (in addition to all the ways in which you are going to connect with Ministry Forum ) - The Art of Transitional Ministry: Part 1 in the Spring of 2026. Many are saying now that any ministry is transitional ministry and it would be helpful to glean some insights from those who are practitioners in this area. If you are willing to travel, you might want to consider the offerings from the Transitional Ministry Education Consortium.
Second, I can’t stress enough that no matter what kind of ministry context you are starting - your priority is people over everything else.
Yes, there may be orientation videos or your office to set up or your books to organize or a million minutes of past meetings to read… find an alternative time to focus on those things. Meet the people you will be working with, connect with those whom you serve first, spend time with key leaders… this is job one! You will notice the same kind of advice from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership’s article: 9 Essential Steps for the First 90 Days in a New Ministry. There is some excellent advice in this article. I love their focus on getting to know your neighbourhood too… find who will become your local community people from barista to bartender to boutiquer (I don’t know if that is a word - and feel free to transpose your own new neighbourhood into this scan).
Finally, a classic
There are many who swear by Dr. Kennon Callahan whose Twelve Keys to an Effective Church have influenced congregations and ministry leaders for over 40 years. One of his books that I came back to time and again was A New Beginning for Pastors and Congregations: Building an Excellent Match Upon Your Shared Strengths (1999).Unfortunately, I discovered after my second and what would be my last call in congregational ministry. It offers some excellent and practical advice to start well - and not surprisingly, it starts with people (and enlisting the congregation to which you have been called to get organizing things BEFORE you even arrive). For me, what I loved and actually referred back to several times in my 21 years in one place was the wisdom around making a fresh start! Again, focusing on relationships, I was able to experience a meaningful new beginning in the place where I was planted - not just once but twice. I’d say that it energized me and the community I served.
A New Beginning for Pastors and Congregations: Building an Excellent Match Upon Your Shared Strengths
This wise and practical guide provides clear insight for both pastors and congregations on how to begin a healthy, productive new pastorate or make a fresh start in an ongoing ministry. Author Kennon L. Callahan, today's most sought-after church consultant, has conferred with thousands of pastors and congregations, helping them discover their strengths and gifts and showing them how to work together in service to their community and mission. Here he offers fresh suggestions on how pastors and congregations can ensure a solid future together, whether they are newly beginning or beginning again. Find the book here
So whether you are about to start fresh or are looking for a fresh start, may you begin with relationships and may that be a meaningful experience not only for you but for the people to whom you’ve been called to serve and work alongside.