We are entering the season of pastoral transitions and time for clergy renewal and vacations. The need to have alternative plans for worship, besides the pastor preaching, is important to allow space for clergy leave, renewal, and transitions. 

Worship resources: Sermons and more

We are making some worship resources available to you. View and download recorded sermons by Bishop Ough, Rev. Ben Ingebretson, Rev. Kris Mutzenberger, and Rev. Ben Ingebretson. Coming soon will be messages from Rev. Kermit Culver, Rev. Roger Spahr, Rev. Joel Winckler and more!

You are free to download, share, stream, or otherwise use these resources in your online worship services.  Access resources here.
View and download recorded sermons here. 

Pastoral transitions

The COVID-19 crisis raises many questions about pastoral transitions from one congregation to the next because of the unusual circumstances it creates. Many congregants are sheltering in place, many congregations have online worship, and normal patterns of engagement and activities are disrupted.

Saying farewell to your pastor. Farewell celebrations/closing worship service rituals are an important aspect of transition. So, it’s important to mark a pastor’s departure in ways that are appropriate to the current situation. Here are some options to consider: 

• Host a virtual farewell.
  • Plan a service on Zoom using the “Order of Farewell to a Pastor” from the Book of Worship.  
  • Prepare and share a video or slide show of highlights from the pastor’s tenure. 
  • Host a Zoom party with the congregation. 
• Plan creative, live experiences that maintain proper social distancing.  
  • Plan a drive-in parking lot farewell ceremony,
  • a drive–by salute with waves and signs,
  • or a parade.  
• Invite the congregation to say goodbye and express appreciation.  
  • Encourage people to call the pastor or write personal notes of love and gratitude. 
  • Orchestrate a “Card Shower” by gathering written messages, isolating them for a few days, and delivering them en masse. 
  • Assemble a scrapbook with pictures and notes or a collage of pictures that are meaningful to the pastor. 
  • Submit a story in the local newspaper. 
  • You can still do a love offering!  

Pave the way for your new pastor.  As always, it is important to express support for the incoming pastor and ask members to embrace their new pastor.  During the COVID pandemic here are some considerations:

• Encourage virtual meetings of church leadership with the new pastor. 
• If the arriving pastor has services online, encourage members to view them as a way to begin getting to know the new pastor.
• Pastors and congregations understand the importance of having clean space ready for a new pastor’s arrival. Experience has taught that people’s understanding of “clean” varies considerably! However, this year the preparation of a pastor’s office or living space is no laughing matter. It is deadly serious.
  • Physical visits to view the parsonage and office prior to moving may be impossible or more limited than in the past. As an alternative, prepare a virtual tour by video, a collection of photos, and floor plans with measurements.
  • Keep repairs to a minimum this year. Time and attention need to go elsewhere unless there are things that must be done right away.
  • Maintain a list of delayed repairs that should be undertaken when circumstances change, such as painting. Where there is no parsonage, remember that an incoming pastor may have more difficulty selling their previous home and/or finding a new one to purchase. Alternative housing options may be necessary in the interim.

Read more here.