Guidelines for Transition Teams - The United Church of Canada

Appendix 7: Creating a Visual Timeline
1. If done by the team, creating a visual timeline will probably involve lots of adjustments and
corrections. Start by posting a large calendar that shows the length of the interim period with
plenty of space for revisions.
2. Starting with the current date, map out the anticipated events of congregational life, e.g., Advent
and Christmas, Lent and Easter, months of least attendance, regular meetings of the official board
(or equivalent) and the annual general meeting, and any other significant yearly events.
3. Add the dates and deadlines within the interim period itself, e.g., a date for the mid-term
evaluation, the Interim Minister’s holiday time(s), break time(s) for the team, a date for beginning
the final evaluation.
4. The stages of the work of the interim period can now be inserted into this framework, e.g.,
deadlines for completion of each phase of the work, anticipated timing of reports to the official
board (or equivalent), dates for small group consultations and congregational gatherings, a date
when final reports will be due, closure events.
While doing this step, keep in mind
• enough time for collecting and documenting information, writing and verifying it, printing
and copying it, and distributing it in advance if necessary
• preparation time for meetings and congregational gatherings, including planning time,
training time for facilitators if necessary, and the time needed for advance notice
• preparation time for reviews and evaluations
5. When the team is satisfied that the schedule is workable, transfer the draft to a more manageable
format, make sure everyone has a copy, and use it to track progress. Undoubtedly it will have to
be revised from time to time to accommodate the unexpected, but it will help guide the transition
work.
50 Guidelines for Transition Teams