Leavetaking is the time between a Rostered Minister’s announcement of their departure and their last working day. It is a time of thanksgivings and farewells, as well as time to transmit important information about a congregation’s ministry to its leaders. The congregation also works together with the Office of the Bishop to secure pastoral support for the time of transition.

Preparation is the time a congregation spends reviewing its ministry and uncovering hopes and intentions for what’s to come. In addition to exploring vitality and inclusion practices, the congregation also listens to itself and the surrounding community to identify its sense of mission. This step culminates in the creation of a Ministry Site Profile, a key tool in sharing a snapshot of the congregation’s ministry to prospective candidates.

Discernment is the time when a congregation is ready to interview candidates for call. Often, this step is a true test of patience, as it can take quite some time for candidates to come before the committee and, then, to discern whether God has called the congregation and the rostered minister together for ministry. This step culminates in a vote by the congregation to call the pastor.

Walking Together is the first 18 months of ministry shared by the new Rostered Minister and the congregation. Four intentional check-ins with the Office of the Bishop helps to address the work of starting something new and set the stage for years of ministry ahead.