If you are involved in a rector search, start by reading this book. It is the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide on the subject, as well as the only book about Episcopal church transitions written from a lay leader’s perspective.

The Foreword by the Rt. Rev. Frank T. Griswold, 25th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, is a call to spiritual leadership and discernment.

The author on the inspiration for the book:

A young mom said to our rector search committee, “You are finding the person who will confirm my children and possible marry them.” An older friend said, “You are seeking the pastor who will see me out of here.”

We felt that leading our church’s rector search could be the most consequential volunteer job of our lives. Every leadership transition resets an institution’s trajectory, either up or down. Our church’s rector transition would make the church more of everything it could be, or less.

I wrote this book to share what I learned in our successful transition, in a form that you can adapt to your church’s unique transition.

I hope Rector Transitions helps you give your best to make the most of the opportunity.