Course Description

Course Description

The decision to leave a place of ministry creates a chain of mixed emotions with far-reaching consequences for congregations and pastors. Everyone knows this time will come from day one of a new pastorate; nonetheless, actually going through the transition itself is challenging, a time of risk as well as new possibilities for growth. The care and thoughtfulness with which a departing pastor plans, announces, and accomplishes the leaving will significantly affect all concerned both in the present moment and into the future.

The issues and questions raised in the course are designed to support pastors at every stage in the process,– that is, from imagining such a time far into the future to forming plans for near-term implementation.

While confidentiality is integral to all PATHWAYS courses, it is absolutely critical for this one in order for pastors in every setting and stage of their discernment to be assured that their deliberations will be protected within the confines of this course.

While conceptually designed for a congregational polity where the decision to leave is typically initiated by a local pastor, most of the topics addressed in this course are equally applicable to diocesan, connectional, and Presbyterian polities as well.