Leadership/Getting Started
New Pastor Orientation
A practical guide for clergy in a new appointment — covering the first 90 days, administrative setup, community engagement, and navigating the denominational connection.
The First 90 Days
A practical month-by-month guide to your first appointment.
Week 1–2
1
Arrival & Administration
- Meet with outgoing pastor (if possible) for handoff conversation
- Connect with church council chair and SPRC chair
- Review current budget, financial reports, and any outstanding commitments
- Locate and secure church records, keys, and access credentials
Weeks 3–4
2
Community Listening
- Schedule one-on-one conversations with key lay leaders
- Visit congregation members who are homebound or hospitalized
- Attend a community organization meeting or civic event
- Walk the physical property with the trustees chair
Month 2
3
Worship & Pastoral Care
- Establish your preaching rhythm and worship planning process
- Set up a pastoral care system (visits, calls, crisis response)
- Meet with all committee chairs individually
- Connect with your district superintendent for a check-in
Month 3
4
Vision & Direction
- Lead a listening session or town hall with the congregation
- Begin drafting a 12-month ministry focus with church council
- Review and update any outdated church policies
- Plan your first charge conference with the DS
Key Resources
Downloads and guides for the most common new-pastor needs.
Reference
Book of Discipline Overview
Plain-language summary of the key sections of the Book of Discipline most relevant to local church pastoral ministry.
Governance
Charge Conference Preparation Guide
Step-by-step checklist for preparing all required reports, nominating committees, and pastoral compensation forms.
Checklist
First 90 Days Checklist (Printable)
One-page printable checklist covering administrative, relational, and ministerial tasks for a new appointment.
Housing
Parsonage & Housing Guide
Rights and responsibilities for parsonage-provided housing, including maintenance, insurance, and the housing equity allowance.
Committees
SPRC Relations Handbook
Understanding the Staff-Parish Relations Committee: its role, your relationship to it, and how to navigate the pastor-SPRC dynamic.
Directory
Denominational Contacts Directory
Key contacts at your annual conference, district office, and general agencies — who to call and when.
Common New-Pastor Questions
Practical answers to the questions most often asked by clergy in a new appointment.
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