A PNC can convey from the beginning that they are interested in supporting the pastor in having a healthy pastorate. A quick way to begin that is to acknowledge the stress of change in life and the desire to be supportive in the transition period. It would be helpful to try to work out a couple of week transition period once the pastor arrived on the scene before s/he was expected to assume full responsibility in the pastorate. While it would be nice if that were totally a free time to make adjustments to the community, if that is not possible, there could be some clear communications with the congregation that for the first couple of weeks, the pastor will not have regular office hours and while conducting worship services, will spend the rest of the time helping the family get established in the community. Arranging for such basics as a tour of the community, some prepared meals, and even a reception for other clergy in the area, would be helpful.
An important thing to recognize is that even though there is a great deal of excitement on the part of both the clergy and the congregation on this new beginning, there is also the issue of grief upon leaving a familiar community for both the clergy and his or her family. An honest recognition that this may be an issue for the incoming family may be of help. Where appropriate and with the approval of the pastor, it might also be supportive for the PNC to write a letter to the former congregation which recognizes that while they are excited about the pastor coming, they recognize that is it a time of loss for the former congregation. They might thank that congregation for all that they have contributed to the pastor’s continued development in the ministry. That could be tricky but if done properly and with the new pastor’s awareness, it might help ease the grief he or she is feeling.
