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ОглавлениеFrom Constancy and Peace . . .
It is a fact of life that those who live as part of a faith community see it as a constant in their lives. They know where it is, when it meets, what will happen there, and how the rhythm of the liturgy, the calendar, and the usual practices of the community shape the common life of the parish. It is, to many, a place of comfort and stability.
So what happens when the community is thrust out of that stability into a state of transition? What happens when the priest1 departs?
. . . To Transition and Change
This book will walk you through the process of that time of transition step-by-step, with attention to the various roles of those who will be helping the parish find new leadership. It also recognizes that each parish is unique, and that one process doesn’t fit all. Our intent is to help parishes seek God’s will as they begin the next chapter of their story.
This work should be done efficiently, but not at the expense of time to hear the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It is work that should be done in a way that recognizes that every voice in the parish matters and should be heard, but not every need can be met. It is work that names that parishes need clergy with different gifts at different times in their existence, and sometimes it is work that names uncomfortable truths with no easy answer.
Transition is holy work. It is our prayer that this process will be spiritually transformative, not only for those who do the identified tasks of transition, but for the entire parish, as they are reminded of God’s providence and God’s habit of surprising us.
How to Read This Book
You will see sections addressed “For the Vestry,” “For the Discernment Committee,” and “For the Departing Priest.” You are welcome to read any or all of it—vestry members are not forbidden from reading discernment committee chapters and vice versa!—but please understand that certain tasks are assigned to particular groups for a good reason.
There are variations in practices in each and every diocese in the Episcopal Church, because contexts differ and context matters. Your bishop, your canon to the ordinary, your transition ministry officer2 are your best guides as to what are the practices and limitations and freedoms that are operative in your diocese. Trust them, follow their guidelines, and ask questions! This process, based on several years of doctoral research and several years of lived experience, has been a flexible and effective approach. Use it in partnership with your diocesan team and may it bring you the same excellent results we have experienced.
1. The clergy leader may be titled rector, vicar, priest-in-charge, or some other title as designated by the bishop.
2. Note that with the exception of the bishop, titles for those who will assist you in your transition process vary based upon size of diocesan staff and specificity of roles. In some dioceses, there is a transition ministry officer with a title that mirrors that specific role. In other dioceses, the canon to the ordinary is your contact for all matters relating to transition processes. In a few dioceses, the bishop diocesan is also the transition officer. Check with your bishop’s office to identify the key persons who will be assisting you.
