On the Emmaus Road

A Guide for Transitions in Ordained Leadership

Mary Brennan Thorpe

• Publisher: Church Publishing
• Year: 2020
• Print ISBN:
  9781640653016
• eBook ISBN:
  9781640653023
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Religion

How can a church best respond when their priest tells them "I'm retiring," or "I've been called to another parish?"
This book outlines to receiving a new ordained leader, recognizing that every parish is different. Discerning exactly what your parish needs can be both a challenge and a joy, and On the Emmaus Road affirms that you can listen to God's voice while attending to other day-to-day tasks. Based upon several years of doctoral research into the work of search committees in the Diocese of Virginia, this book has been refined through the experience of using its new methodologies in over seventy-five calls.

With both traditional and creative new approaches to the clergy search process, Thorpe gives a wealth of resources for your parish to not only survive the days to come, but thrive in the midst of them.

APPENDIX A

SAMPLE SURVEYS

Shorter Survey

1. What is your age?

• Under 12
• 12–18
• 19–24
• 25–34
• 35–44
• 45–54
• 55–64
• 65 and over

2. What is the approximate travel distance (in miles) from your home to St. Chad’s?

• Under 5 miles
• 5 to 10 miles
• 11 to 15 miles
• 16 to 20 miles
• Over 20 miles

3. How many years have you been attending St. Chad’s?

• Less than one year
• 1 to 5 years
• 6 to 10 years
• 11 to 20 years
• Over 20 years

4. Which service do you usually attend?

• 8:00 a.m. Sunday
• 10:00 a.m. Sunday
• 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Healing Service

5. What first brought you to St. Chad’s? (select all that apply)

• Nearest Episcopal church to my home
• Recommended by a friend
• My family attends
• Priest called on me when I moved to the area
• Parishioner called on me when I moved to the area
• Attracted by St. Chad’s reputation and historical significance
• Sampled several churches and liked St. Chad’s the best
• The Sunday school
• Other, please specify

6. Why have you continued attending St. Chad’s? Choose the three (3) most important AND the three (3) least important reasons.

	Most Important	Least Important
Loyalty to the Episcopal Church
Loyalty to St. Chad’s
I like the people
A supportive community
Style of worship appeals to me
The priest
The music
I enjoy participating in one or more of the activities (e.g., choir, Sunday school, outreach, etc.)
My family has always attended
I appreciate the opportunities for spiritual growth
I appreciate the opportunities to serve the church, neighborhood, and local community
Habit
Fellowship and chance to share in so...

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Preface
• I. Introduction
• II. A General Outline of the Transition Process
• III. For the Departing Priest
• IV. For the Vestry: Phase One
• V. Other Vestry Considerations
• VI. Particular Considerations for Challenged Parishes and for Challenging Times
• VII. For the Discernment Committee: Phase One
• VIII. For the Vestry: Phase Two
• IX. For the Discernment Committee: Phase Two and Final Steps
• X. For the Vestry: Final Steps
• XI. Last Words
• Appendix A: Sample Surveys
• Appendix B: Some Guidelines for the Conduct of Focus Groups
• Appendix C: Appreciative Inquiry-Style Congregational Meeting
• Appendix D: Community Ministry Profile Worksheet