Parish Transition
Change is both
necessary and purposeful. And yet, human nature resists change and all
systems seek stability. Change can create anxiety and when people are
anxious they do not relate well, learn well or make the best decisions. Change is easier for people when it is self-directed. This is
especially evident in organizations when a decision (e.g. parish merger
or assignment of a new pastor) is seen as coming from elsewhere. Unmet
and unrealistic expectations, conflict and confusion can often
complicate the already anxious process of transition for a parish and a
pastor. Anxious pastors and parishioners deserve support at this
critical juncture. The key to successful transitions is skillful
leadership.
Transitions are opportunities for a parish to reconfirm
purpose, renew commitment to pastoral priorities, and envision new
possibilities. Read about Leadership in a Changing Parish. The Parish Life Office provides support to parish leaders through
open-ended consultation, process facilitation, training for transition
teams and topical workshops. A sampling of workshop topics includes:
- Spirituality for Change: Uncovering the
paschal rhythm in change, packing for the journey, a pillar of fire and a
column of smoke (parish staff, transition team and pastoral council)
- Transitioning and Merging Parishes: Understand
the role of a transition team, use a faith sharing process for newly
merged parishes, receive answers to the most frequently asked questions
about procedures, staffing and facilities, etc. (for parish staff,
pastoral council and ministry leaders)
- Dealing with Difficult People: What makes
people so difficult? What are the likely troubling personalities? How
does a leader bring out the best in people who are at their worst? How
can all leaders redirect negative energies that emerge in times of
transition? (for parish staff and ministry leaders)
- Growing an Engaged Church: Learn what the latest research tells us about why people come and stay,
and explore ways to engage core parishioners in response to emerging
needs and newcomers (for parish staff, pastoral council and ministry
leaders)
- Managing an Emotional Parish: What are the
characteristics of the parish as an emotional system? How does a leader
defuse anxiety in the community? How does a parish leader stay calm
AND engaged? (for parish staff)
Parish vitality does not just happen. It is the result of strategic
thinking and effective leadership. One of the hallmarks of effective
leadership is the ability to mobilize a community and focus its energy
in a strategic direction. Completing a Parish Planning Survey is
one strategic step that all parishes can take in assessing their
progress toward vibrant parish life. Once you have collected completed
survey contact our office to have the results tabulated and receive a
report. The Parish Cafe is
a listening process that can be used to discuss the results of your
survey and energize the community for its vital mission. Contact the
Office of Parish Life for expert analysis of your planning survey
results and for facilitation of a parish cafe.
For more assistance with your parish transition,
contact: Office for Evangelization and Parish Life
(716) 847-8393.