Guidelines for Transition Teams - The United Church of Canada

Starting Out
Overview of Transition Team Responsibilities
As soon as a Transition Team is appointed, its work begins by assisting presbytery with the
recruitment and selection of an Interim Minister. After that, the continuing tasks of the team are to
work with the Interim Minister to
• review, clarify, and develop the overall goals set for the Interim Ministry by presbytery and the
official board (or equivalent)
• identify and implement measures for promoting conversation, learning, understanding, and
transition in the congregation
• involve the congregation in the tasks of claiming identity and mission, clarifying its intentions for
the future, and renewing its links with the larger church
• exemplify the patterns of responsible participation, healthy relationships, and faithful witness
that create and re-create Christian community
The Transition Team reports its progress to the official board (or equivalent) through its
representative on that body, and to presbytery through the presbytery representatives on the
Transition Team.
Halfway through an Interim Ministry, the Transition Team reviews how the transition work is
progressing. At that time, the team will consider the congregation’s progress toward the interim goals,
and in particular, assess how thoroughly the congregation has identified and claimed its new mission.
Only when the mission is well understood is it appropriate for the Transition Team to signal the
presbytery to initiate a Joint Needs Assessment Committee.
A final evaluation of the congregation’s transition work must be completed at least 90 days before
the end of the Interim Ministry. At that time, presbytery will ask for a final evaluation of the Interim
Ministry, including how effectively the congregation’s goals have been met and what continuity may
be needed. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Interim Minister will also be required at that
time. The presbytery forwards these evaluations to the Conference Interim Ministry Committee.
The Transition Team’s work finishes as the congregation says farewell to the Interim Minister and
shifts from the transition process into the practice of its faith in a renewed ministry. Members of the
Transition Team will likely continue in leadership roles, formally or informally, on the church’s official
board (or equivalent) and on other key committees. Their continuing leadership will be valuable in
ensuring that initiatives taken in the Interim Ministry period are put into practice.
6 Guidelines for Transition Teams