Welcoming a New Pastor

As a member of a church in transition between pastors, you will understand the sensitivity of the situation. Welcoming a new pastor can be awkward and challenging for both the congregation and the new pastor. Here are some tips to make the transition easier for everyone involved.

Instructions

1. Embrace the new pastor before you meet him or her. Take the time you need to mentally and spiritually prepare yourself for a new pastor. Saying goodbye to old pastors can be difficult. Try not to allow your feelings for your old pastor overshadow the new pastor. He or she will bring something new to the table, and there will be a process of adjustment for the congregation.

2. Create a photo book directory of all church members to give to the new pastor. This will allow the pastor to become familiar with the church congregation.

3. Organize a potluck or picnic fellowship for your new pastor shortly after they arrive. Make sure all church members can attend, and make it a fun gathering. Alleviate performance pressure by making it a relaxed environment with children.

4. Offer to help with the move. Get together a small team of willing volunteers, and help your pastor unload his or her moving van.

5. Invite the pastor's kids to special get-togethers if you have kids the same age. This will help the kids also feel welcomed into the church family.

6. Offer to cook meals for a week, as the new pastor may have moved from a different location, and hasn't had time to unpack and get settled. Organize volunteers that can commit to cooking one dish each.

7. Remember your pastor's spouse. Have an informal get-together of women or men, to introduce yourselves. Welcoming your pastor's spouse and family is another way to make them feel at home.

8. Organize the pastor's office. If there is clutter or leftovers from the old pastor, get rid of it, and create a clean slate for the new pastor.

9. Create an information book about the local area so that your pastor may get acquainted with the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Approach all steps with prayer in advance.

• Don't allow yourself any preconceived expectations about the new pastor.