Pastoral Moves

You will need to have some in-depth discussions with your conference administrators to find out what role they envision for you in pastoral moves. Make sure that whatever involvement you do have does not compromise your ability to pastor the pastor(s) with whom you become involved.

Here are some possible configurations:

•You are consulted as moves are being considered, but administration and/or conference Executive Committees will make the actual decision

•You are consulted as moves are being considered, and you have voice and vote in all processes/committees where the hiring/moving decisions are made

•You are authorized to actually make the decision on hiring or moving a pastor

•You are not involved at all in the decision process for pastoral placement and moves

Ideally, whether or not you are involved administratively in moving pastors, there is great opportunity for pastoral ministry to pastors during a move. Even experienced pastors can benefit from some coaching during the move, and you are in the ideal position to provide it.

Here's a resource that the Ministerial Directors in the Mid-America Union have developed for working with pastors in transition: Addressing Issues in Pastoral Transitions