Staff transitions are inevitable in any organization; the church is no different. Whether or not you saw it coming or had time to plan, periods of transition can be unnerving. As a church leader, you are called to navigate these transitions in a way that honors the staff members, the church, and God. The Center for Healthy Churches-PneuMatrix can help you navigate uncertain times and even turn them into blessings with our staff transition consultation services.
What Is a Staff Transition Consultation?
Staff transition consultation is a service designed to assist churches in easing the pain brought on by times of transition. We can help you with:
How to Communicate Staff Transition
Need to Know Basis
We prioritize transparency and honesty in all church matters. However, to maintain peace within the congregation, it’s important to discern what information is necessary and who needs to be informed.
For instance, in a small church where a departing staff member is well-known, addressing it publicly and planning a farewell acknowledgment after services is appropriate. In contrast, for larger churches, a mention in the service flyer and a private staff farewell party may suffice.
In cases of unexpected or unfortunate departures, transparent communication with staff is crucial to avoid any perception of concealment. If the reason isn’t suitable for public disclosure, a simple “for personal reasons” can suffice.
Create a Transition Timeline
As soon as you know about the staff transition, you should create a plan that covers:
- Key dates
- Key people in each step
- Next steps
- Facts that should be communicated
- Messaging about the transition
- A point person for fielding questions post-announcement
- A script for FAQ responses
Consider Hiring CHC-PMX for a Staff Transition Consultation
There are so many pieces that are often overlooked during a transition that can affect the effectiveness and productivity of your entire team. Ensuring that you handle staff transitions gracefully protects your team, your church functions, and your employee processes.
If you have questions about what a staff transition consultation would look like for your church or organization, contact us. We’ll pair you with the right consultant for your church and your situation.
