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(5) Any out-of-date "garbage files," problem letters, or pre
judiced information on any members ought to be taken away or destroyed
by the outgoing man.
(6) The new pastor ought to be adequately introduced to the lay
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leadership of the Church and to meet with them soon after the "other
guy" departs to learn firsthand how things have been organized and
operate in the local church.
It might be good to leave some of the
chores of the transition period on the shoulders of the Local Church
Elders and deacons giving them a chance to be used in passin g on to
the new man some of the vital information.
(7) The exiting pastor ought to leave, preferably in writing, a
list of suggestions, directions, future ideas for growth (need for
Bible Lectures, clubs, etc.) for the new man to ponder and use for his
initial planning in his new responsibility.
(8) The two pastors ought to spend at least 3-5 days together
sharing ideas and engineering the changeover.
And on at least one
occasion they ought to be seen together by the co�gregation on the
Sabbath.
Some prefer to take over or leave cold-turkey; some want to
introduce the new man for his first sermon in the area.
Try to work
out what is best together.
(9) The congregation needs to be made aware that: a. there is a
need for transferring
b. that there will be changes in "how" and
"what" things are done (we hope gradually) and c. that there is a
mutual respect between the two pastors.
This is supported by the care
on both parts not to run the other down or criticize the others
policies or preferences publicly or privately.
O
(10) Although he will undoubtedly want to keep up contacts in
the area, the exiting minister ought to "burn his bridges behind him"
in a sense, so as to not have people going around the new pastor's back.
(11) Beware of unloading "updated information" on the congrega
tion too quickly -- this especially applies to those fresh out of the
Certificate Program.
(12) The new pastor can make points with his congregation if he
makes sure that they know that he wants to be there.
He should praise
the area, study some o_
J
�-h�-
hist�:7=y of. the locale as well as local
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church history.
He can show his involvement if he buys a home or gets
involved in local civic activities. So much better to appear as a
resident than a transient.
The attitude of Ruth is a good example,
"Your people shall be my people."
We have to earn the respect of a
new congregation, so avoid any putdowns and innuendos.
Accepting
them will help them.accept you.
(13)
If the members would wear name tags for the first few weeks
it would help everyone in getting acquainted.
(14) The departing man might prepare a brief listing of the
strengths, talents, jobs and hobbies of the local membership (perhaps
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a kind of "Vita-Sheet") or comments on the member address cards.
(15) Communicate closely with the outgoing pastor as to what he