Moving On: Grief in Ministry Transitions
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'Moving On: Grief in Ministry Transition' is published, and available:
Print books direct from Silvia, email: silvia.purdie@gmail.com. $30 + p&P
E books from Philip Garside Publishing: $20.
Print books direct from Silvia, email: silvia.purdie@gmail.com. $30 + p&P
E books from Philip Garside Publishing: $20.
We celebrate the beginnings of a new ministry with much fanfare and expectation. We are often less good at honouring ministry endings. 'Moving On: Grief in Ministry Transition' seeks to guide pastors, ministry trainers and denominational leaders in the vital task of 'ending well'.
Over 50 people have contributed to 'Moving On', from a wide diversity of cultures in Aotearoa New Zealand. Silvia has drawn together many threads of experience, theology, and offers a rich resource for healing and leadership.
Over 50 people have contributed to 'Moving On', from a wide diversity of cultures in Aotearoa New Zealand. Silvia has drawn together many threads of experience, theology, and offers a rich resource for healing and leadership.
Endorsements:
“I commend this book as a ministry in its own right – a service for God’s servants so that we may transition better. In Moving On, Silvia Purdie assembles an impressive cast of writers to weave a set of stories, build a treasury of wisdom and provide a toolbox of liturgical resources in order that many aspects of ministry transitions can be engaged with.”
~~ + 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 in ministry transitions.”
~~ Murray Robertson, ex Pastor, Spreydon Baptist Church (now South West Baptist Church), Christchurch
“Moving On presents sage pathways for making room to grieve amidst ministry transitions. Seasoned with the wisdom of first-hand leadership experience, Silvia Purdie weaves perceptive insights, tender stories, spiritual practice, and thoughtful conversations into a real-world guide for attending to the particular ruptures emerging from transitioning ministries.
I commend Moving On to anyone grieving, or journeying alongside those mourning ministry changes, for through this helpful volume you will discover afresh that you are not alone and your grief matters.”
~~ Dwight J. Friesen, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, author of numerous books, including: 2020s Foresight, The New Parish, and Thy Kingdom Connected.
~~ + 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 in ministry transitions.”
~~ Murray Robertson, ex Pastor, Spreydon Baptist Church (now South West Baptist Church), Christchurch
“Moving On presents sage pathways for making room to grieve amidst ministry transitions. Seasoned with the wisdom of first-hand leadership experience, Silvia Purdie weaves perceptive insights, tender stories, spiritual practice, and thoughtful conversations into a real-world guide for attending to the particular ruptures emerging from transitioning ministries.
I commend Moving On to anyone grieving, or journeying alongside those mourning ministry changes, for through this helpful volume you will discover afresh that you are not alone and your grief matters.”
~~ Dwight J. Friesen, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, author of numerous books, including: 2020s Foresight, The New Parish, and Thy Kingdom Connected.
Introducing ...
When a ministry position comes to an end, ministers are expected to make a smooth transition into a new ministry or retirement. However, leaving a church, or other ministry context, creates multiple loss for pastors, and can be deeply painful. Grief may be compounded by other losses, not just for the pastor but also for their family, and especially this involves moving towns. The pain may be complicated by conflict or rejection, and may spark major questions about purpose and identity.
‘Moving On’ explores the dynamics of leaving a ministry position, through a wealth of diverse experiences across a breadth of cultural contexts. Theoretical and theological reflection connect personal story with wider themes. Poetry and pastoral liturgy ground these issues in spirituality. Practical considerations highlight recommendations for church practice.
Ministry transition is explored within a framework of the tasks of grieving. Five aspects of complicated grief in relation to ending a ministry are discussed: (a) multiple loss, described in terms of exile, (b) ambivalent attachment, (c) trauma, especially of being forced to leave, (d) disenfranchised grief and loneliness, and (e) crisis of meaning related to a minister’s sense of call. Personal experience from contributors illustrate and enrich each aspect of grief theory.
Contributors come mostly from within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, and reflect the cultural diversity of this denomination.
‘Moving On’ is a contextual work of pastoral theology. It explores the processes of grief and healing associated with the experience of ending a ministry position. It seeks to highlight the ways in which God is part of these transitions, within biblical terms of reference. It aims to provide a practical and spiritually layered resource for people going through ministry transition, and for the church as a whole.
‘Moving On’ explores the dynamics of leaving a ministry position, through a wealth of diverse experiences across a breadth of cultural contexts. Theoretical and theological reflection connect personal story with wider themes. Poetry and pastoral liturgy ground these issues in spirituality. Practical considerations highlight recommendations for church practice.
Ministry transition is explored within a framework of the tasks of grieving. Five aspects of complicated grief in relation to ending a ministry are discussed: (a) multiple loss, described in terms of exile, (b) ambivalent attachment, (c) trauma, especially of being forced to leave, (d) disenfranchised grief and loneliness, and (e) crisis of meaning related to a minister’s sense of call. Personal experience from contributors illustrate and enrich each aspect of grief theory.
Contributors come mostly from within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, and reflect the cultural diversity of this denomination.
‘Moving On’ is a contextual work of pastoral theology. It explores the processes of grief and healing associated with the experience of ending a ministry position. It seeks to highlight the ways in which God is part of these transitions, within biblical terms of reference. It aims to provide a practical and spiritually layered resource for people going through ministry transition, and for the church as a whole.
Liturgies, prayers and songs for healing
Moving On’ contains a wealth of resources to enable God to work in situations of endings and grief, including poetry, songs, and prayer services. Here is a little sample:
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The Remains of the Day
by Ana Lisa de Jong, Living Tree Poetry You have resurrected me. You, who rose once and for all, lean down each new day, restore me with your loving hand replace me where I stand. You who have resurrected me, have taught me how to rise, to undo all the ropes, and the remains of the day which keep me tied. You my resurrection, are my high and holy place from which I can see from a different vantage, and renew my perspective. You who are resurrected, teach me how to follow. Show me where my eyes and heart must rest, lead me to living waters. You, my resurrection, restore me to your side and cleanse me from the ashes of the days left behind. |
Prayer of One Changing Roles
The Garment of Praise: Isaiah 61:3 Console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (NKJV) Prayer action Find an item of clothing which reminds you of your old role (perhaps a jacket, name tag or liturgical item). Put it on. While you are wearing it name to God the memories and emotions that come to mind about your previous ministry position. Take it off. Notice how it feels to take it off. Say aloud Isaiah 61:3, as though God were addressing it to you personally. Find something which feels to you like a “garment of praise”. Put it on. Write a prayer of praise. Sing the old chorus: ‘Put on the garment of praise’ (by David Ingles) |
Transitions Journal
Click HERE for Rev John Hornblow's insightful manual for journalling through a ministry transition.
John brings a life-time of experience as a business, community and church mentor. He has also served as Deputy Mayor of Palmerston North, and as a priest at All Saints Anglican Church.
John brings a life-time of experience as a business, community and church mentor. He has also served as Deputy Mayor of Palmerston North, and as a priest at All Saints Anglican Church.