Moving on: Grief in Ministry Transitions

Any ending of a ministry involves a unique and complex mix of grief for all involved. The pastoral relationship ends, and all that it was must be reworked and re-storied as it moves from present reality into memory. Moving On is full of good advice and personal stories about a wide range of ministry transitions. Ministers and lay church leadership teams will find in this book practical guidance to help them work through ministry changes with honesty and good grace.
Ministers are professional experts on grief. Holding others through endings, dying and bereavement is a core part of the job. However, attending to our own grief and transitions is easier said than done. It helps when we apply what we know about grief to ourselves and our own families. Grieving well releases fresh energy and joy, to be available to new communities and contexts. Grieving releases us more fully into God's life-long call, through different seasons and expressions of ministry.
This book reflects upon the experience of the pastor as he or she works through the process of 'moving on' from a ministry. It explores the complex and compound nature of grief, especially when a ministry has been conflicted and when the decision to leave was difficult. It offers a wealth of experiences from a breadth of cultural contexts, from nearly 40 contributors. The grief of ministry transitions is addressed in prayer and liturgy.
There are tools and resources as well as discussion about church processes and policy related to endings such as resignations and retirement. Poems by New Zealand writer Ana Lisa de Jong add further depth to the book. Reviewer's Comments:-----------------------------"A fascinating and insightful book about ministry transitions. Silvia has skilfully woven together our human stories with the big story of our Christian faith." Rev.
Rose Luxford, Moderator Designate, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand"Moving On is an eminently practical, honest and theoretically sound book that is so topical for today. Many people will enjoy its relevance. It is impressive in the breadth of viewpoints presented. Best of all, it is very readable!" Rev. John Hornblow, ex-Deputy Mayor of Palmerston North"What a taonga this book is! Artful weaving of stories, poems, prayers, and research crafts a kete fit to hold the emotions, challenges and impacts inherent in ministry transitions.
Scripture finds voice in poems and liturgies that name the realities of transition and loss, yet engender hope and the possibility of new beginnings. Here is deep, hard won, hope-filled practical wisdom. Moving On is a timely contribution for all who minister in these changing times." Rev. Dr. Karen Kemp, Senior Coach/Lecturer Laidlaw College - Te Wananga Amorangi"I commend this book as a ministry in its own right - a service for God's servants so that we may transition better.
A treasury of wisdom and a toolbox of liturgical resources." + Peter Carrell, Anglican Bishop of Christchurch"In this comprehensive overview of ministry endings Silvia Purdie very helpfully addresses the grief and pain experienced by many." Murray Robertson, Pastor Emeritus, South West Baptist Church, Christchurch. About the author:----------------------Rev. Silvia Purdie brings extensive leadership experience to this work of pastoral theology.
An ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand with a background in youth and family ministry, she is also a counsellor, professional supervisor and consultant. Her other books are Let's Say a Psalm and Awhi Mai Awhi Atu: Women in Creation Care.