Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

Dear Friends,

Please help us by answering this ECF Vital Practices survey.

Can periods of transitions in ministry be helpful? When we encounter these periods of change, it’s important to be open to what God is calling us to become. Periods of transition can be times of struggle and indecision, but they can also bring renewal and transformation. In this issue we offer helpful ideas to thrive and grow through times of change.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ECF Vital Practices offers vestry members and other congregational leaders, resources and tools to respond to the changing needs of the Church. As the Vital Practices team discerns what to highlight and share in our monthly Vestry Papers and other related content, your input as regular readers is extremely valuable. Please help us by filling in this short survey so we can continue to tailor ECF Vital Practices to your needs.

To learn more about ECF and our programs, please visit our website.

Faithfully,

Charis Bhagianathan
Editor, ECF Vital Practices