Preparing for transition in the Church

Today we said goodbye to Scott Wilson-Parsons and his family.  Scott has been our pastor for 11 years and is moving on to Seaside UMC.  This is an emotional time for everyone.  I know many UMC churches and preacher’s families are experiencing the same thing today.  My father was a UMC pastor and we had our share of moves.  I attended 10 different schools and 3 different high schools.  I know it can be a tough time.  There are many things a congregation can do to ease the transition but today I want to look at the electronic transition.

If the pastor is deeply involved with the church website, email, computers and network, it is important to make sure all the knowledge doesn’t leave with the pastor.

Here are some things to have in a good transition document.

1. Email – usernames, passwords, account numbers

2. Web Hosting – account numbers, usernames, passwords, procedures for updating, when the bill comes due and who it is paid to

3. Computers – usernames, passwords, file structure organization, warranties, backups (where stored)

4. Networks – switch and router addresses, switch and router configuration backups, passwords, wireless configuration and encryption

5. Misc. – Usernames and passwords for Facebook, blogs, photo hosting sites, and other online sites that are in the church’s name

Having a good record of these things helps ease the transition and avoid those late night calls to the former pastor because no one knows the password to update the church website!

I pray a blessing on all the UMC churches and families who are experiencing transitions this month.