Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices

May 2018

Clergy and Lay Transitions

Breathe and Carry On
By Meghan Froehlich
The Office for Transition Ministry provides support to clergy, laity, bishops and Diocesan Transition Ministers throughout the Episcopal Church, guiding people through times of discernment and calling. In Breathe and Carry On, Meghan Froehlich shares transition ideas that result in transformational new partnerships and communities.
Editor's Letter June 2018
By Charis Bhagianathan
Any kind of change brings an opportunity to re-focus and re-energize ourselves. Whether your congregation is in the midst of seeking a new rector, or an outgoing rector needs help with his or her retirement, this issue highlights ideas for making inevitable transitions less stressful, more fruitful and also a time of invigorating spiritual growth.
Editor's Letter May 2018
By Charis Bhagianathan
ECFVP Editor Charis Bhagianathan introduces the May 2018 issue of Vestry Papers featuring resources on clergy and lay transitions.
Firing an Employee the Right Way
By Donald Romanik
One of the most difficult things to do in any work setting is letting someone go. In Firing an Employee the Right Way, Donald Romanik tackles termination in a church context, suggesting ways to avoid unnecessary conflict and to minimize the negative impact it can have on all parties.
Good Transitions
By Hope Eakins
What are best practices for periods of transition? In Good Transitions, Hope Eakins shares lessons from her experience as an Interim rector, offering suggestions for both congregations and priests on how to be open to change, and to transform periods of transition into opportunities for spiritual growth.
Invite the Holy Spirit
By Van Sheets
Saying goodbye to a beloved rector and starting the process of seeking a new one can be an unsettling journey. In Invite the Holy Spirit, Van Sheets shares some practical methods to work together, and spiritual ways to include the Holy Spirit in the process of transition.
No Time to Hibernate
By Victor Conrado and Louisa McKellaston
While transitions are disruptive, they can also be times of increased energy, activity and even evangelism. In No Time to Hibernate, Victor Conrado and Louisa McKellaston share ideas for developing your church while making the most of a transition period.
Retirement solutions by CPG
By Sandra Montes
Retirements should bring rest and relaxation, but without a retirement plan in place they can be incredibly stressful. In Retirement solutions by CPG, Sandra Montes shares the experience of her father’s retirement and how working with the Church Pension Group made the process much easier. This article is available in English and Spanish.
Soluciones del Grupo de Pensiones de la Iglesia
By Sandra Montes
Sandra Montes comparte la experiencia de la jubilación de su padre y cómo trabajar con Church Pension Group hizo que el proceso fuera mucho más fácil.
Wellness
By Eric Law
The importance of sustainability and Sabbath are connected deeply to how we can bring our best selves to our work and life. In a video conversation on Wellness, Eric Law encourages us to take the time to ‘press the reset button’ as described in his book, Holy Currencies.
Would You Hire a Job Candidate with an Unconventional Background?
By Nathan Kirkpatrick
Can inexperience be a desirable quality in a candidate? In Would You Hire a Job Candidate with an Unconventional Background?, Nathan Kirkpatrick examines how we typically fill leadership roles in the Church, and asks us to consider the more unlikely candidate who may be able to do the truly transformative work we desire.