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Role Clarity in a Time of Transition

A clear understanding of your role in the congregation is one of the most important tools you can acquire as a church leader – ordained or lay.

The time of transition offers a unique opportunity

for role clarity.

Copyright © 2012 Episcopal Church Foundation. All rights reserved.

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There are two kinds of roles:

The roles we are specifically asked to play in a congregation

The roles we may be unconsciously expected to play in a congregation

and

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What Are Some Of The Roles You Are Asked To Play in the Congregation?

Me

Pastor

Fund raiser

Janitor

Counselor

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Classic Roles for Clergy

Administrator

Director of Christian Formation

ChurchDeveloper

Counselor

Crisis Responder

Ecumenical Leader

Liturgist

Musician

Social Worker

Pastor

Preacher

Community Leader

Spiritual Director

Fund Raiser

Teacher

Theologian

Change Agent

Visitor to Sick/Healer

Youth WorkerEvangelist

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Congregational Culture for Roles and Expectations

• What were some of the most important roles of the previous rector? Will they be true in the future?

• Were there places where the rector’s formal role and some unspoken expectations did not mesh or were in conflict?

• What surprises have you encountered in this time of transition? Are lay leaders encountering unspoken expectations? Is there a vocational deacon who is taking on “rector” or “priest” roles?

• What does this mean for the next rector?

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An Ounce of Prevention . . .

• Clear position descriptions for all staff and significant lay leaders

• Regular communications

• Routine check-ins

• Periodic, planned discussions of roles and expectations

And if you hit a snag – ask for help!