> back

Synod Transition Checklist

From the moment a synodical bishop announces his or her intention to leave office in order to retire, accept another call or for personal or family reasons, the synod will experience a season of significant transition. Many persons are affected by one person’s decision. The synod as a whole will be influenced by this significant "changing of the guard." As in all times of change, leaders who have an action plan can help make the transition a time of growth and positive forward movement in the synod’s mission. The following checklist is provided to assist synodical officers, staff, council members and other leaders, working with the outgoing bishop, to prepare for this significant time of change in the synod’s life. Synod leaders are encouraged to contact partners in the churchwide office who may be able to provide support and assistance. Particularly helpful may be the Office of the Presiding Bishop, Office of the Secretary and Department for Synodical Relations.

CLOSURE WITH OUTGOING BISHOP

> Synod Council or executive committee works with bishop to communicate the bishop’s decision to the synod.

> Bishop communicates decision to Office of the Presiding Bishop with a copy to the Executive for Synodical and Constituent Relations.

> Synod Council explores with churchwide Office of the Presiding Bishop possible candidates who can serve as interim bishop if there will be an interim time before a new bishop assumes office.

> Synod Council works with churchwide Office of the Presiding Bishop to establish a date for a special assembly, if needed, and announces to synod.

> Status of synod staff (bishop’s assistants or associates) reviewed by Synod Council; severance policy is reviewed and plans made for implementation.

> Synod Council makes plans for "exit interview" with bishop and any staff who will also be leaving.

> Synod Council makes a decision as to whom will be responsible for planning bishop’s farewell and appreciation event(s).

> Secretary of the synod works with outgoing bishop and staff to plan for transfer of files and documents of historical value to archives; bishop prepares confidential files for transmission to successor.

> Outgoing bishop and staff compile informational manual and lists of contact persons and resources that will be needed by successor.

> Officers make arrangements for transfer of signature authorization (on bank accounts, official documents, etc).

PREPARATION FOR BISHOP’S ELECTION

> If advance site reservation is required, Synod Council sets tentative date for new bishop’s installation in consultation with churchwide Office of the Presiding Bishop.

> Synod Council and assembly planning committee review process for bishop’s election and incorporate needed time into agenda for regular or special assembly.

> If synod has a "names surfacing" or formal nomination procedure, Synod Council makes provisions for fulfillment of constitutional provisions.

> Officers and communications staff or committee consider means of preparing synod assembly voting members for the important task of electing a bishop (e.g., distributing "Choosing a Bishop").

> Synod Council monitors and responds to any inappropriate overt "campaigning" or "electioneering."

> Synod vice president and assembly presiding officer (likely outgoing bishop) confirm details with churchwide representative who will preside over election portions of assembly.

> If the office of bishop is vacant at time of election, Synod Council prepares resolution for assembly action authorizing bishop-elect to function immediately with full authority of the bishop’s office.

NEW BISHOP ASSUMES OFFICE

> A letter of call to the new bishop is prepared by the churchwide Office of the Secretary.

> Synod Council confers with bishop-elect and churchwide Office of the Presiding Bishop confirming plans for installation.

> Bishop-elect and outgoing bishop confer regarding matters of pastoral care and administrative concerns.

> Bishop-elect confers with churchwide partners (coordinated by Synodical Relations) in matters related to staffing, strategic planning and initial programming.

> Bishop-elect attends first Conference of Bishops meeting, orientation for new bishops and annual Bishops’ Academy.

> Synod Council issues calls to rostered persons selected as bishop’s assistants or associates (normally coterminous with bishop).

> Synod Council and bishop select persons to serve on Bishop’s Mutual Ministry Committee and corresponding staff support committee.

Churchwide Office Contacts

Office of the Presiding Bishop 1.800.638.3522, ext. 2600

Office of the Secretary 1.800.638.3522, ext. 2800

Synodical Relations 1.800.638.3522, ext. 2550