By Mary C. Frances, Executive Director and Senior Consultant
Well, it is that time of year again. Today, the Sugar Maple outside my office window isn’t quite as bold as this picture from last year, but it is showing signs of moving in that direction. Soon it will be aflame with red and orange leaves. This is the reminder that everything changes; transitions are all around us. And they happen whether we like it or not!
My family is in the midst of a big transition. We are packing boxes and preparing to move four hundred miles north. And, while in the big picture this is a much-desired change, the details of the transition can be quite challenging. In the midst of it all, I find myself wondering what the trees will look like in my new yard, what kind of signals we will see of each seasonal transition.
Transitions can be tricky for any of us and perhaps especially for congregations. When a beloved pastoral leader decides to retire or take a new call, the impact on the congregation is significant and, certainly, not one of their own choosing. That said, how a congregation works through a transition can be crucial to how the next chapter of congregational life unfolds.
We at FaithX have been through many of these transitions and have put together a few tools to support the important work of pastoral transition. First, the Congregational Vitality Assessment. This simple, online tool can be taken by a cross-section of the congregation to hold up a mirror and learn what the congregation thinks of themselves. With important sections such as Mission and Vision and Dealing with Differences, a congregation can get a snapshot of areas of strength as well as areas for growth – both of which are important as they seek new pastoral leadership. Using the CVA for pastoral transition can be done in a before-and-after manner. Take it before you begin a call process, and then take it again 12-18 months after the new leader comes in. This way everyone can be on the same page right from the start.
Second, the Neighborhood Insights Report is a vital tool in a couple of ways. At the congregational level, it helps a call committee and other leaders identify who our neighbor is and what are the needs beyond the doors of the congregation. Then, sharing that report with candidates helps them understand the community into which they are considering a call.
We don’t often get into the weeds about cost here on the blog, but I want to lift this up. The single use CVA comes in at just $35, and the Neighborhood Insights Report is only $250. We would recommend an hour of consultation to help congregational leaders digest the demographic data. So, all in, just $535 provides key and important data for your congregational transition. It’s a relatively small investment for a smooth transition and healthy, vital future. Ready to take the next step? Reach out to us at info@faithx.net
