Guidelines for Transition Teams - The United Church of Canada

Appendix 5: Setting Transition Team
Norms and Values
Purpose
• To facilitate the Interim Minister and Transition Team members getting to know each other
• To provide an informal but in-depth exchange of views on how the Interim Ministry should
proceed
• To produce a set of values team members commit to abide by
Means
The Transition Team members and the Interim Minister will express their personal wishes with
respect to
• the procedures they hope to see followed
• the working relationship they wish to experience
• their desired relationship with the congregation
Expected Outcomes
Team members and the Interim Minister will
• share expectations for the Interim Ministry
• be introduced to each other’s skill, values, and concerns
• experience the foundation of a team relationship
Process
The process is accomplished in two meetings. In the first, requiring at least 2½ hours, the importance
of setting group norms is explained and participants’ responses in three values areas are listed. In the
second, requiring up to 45 minutes, participants endorse a refined list and commit to honouring the
values they have named.
The first meeting can take place in an informal setting; the second can be part of a regular meeting.
Flip charts, paper and felt pens, and masking tape are required.
Leadership
• Facilitator: Someone able to model active listening and probing for meaning. The facilitator may
be an outside person, the chair of the Transition Team, or the Interim Minister. If an “insider”
takes this role, that person becomes a participant-facilitator, as input is needed from everyone
who is part of the team.
• Recorder: Someone able to listen and quickly transcribe responses onto a flip chart.
Guidelines for Transition Teams 45