Checklist for Senior Pastors Leaving a Pastorate

TRANSITION WELL

Copy of the current mission statement along with Vision, Goals, and Strategics in place.
The official membership book in which all entries and addresses arc up-to-date in each category.
A complete list of all officers, leaders, membership of boards and/or committees, teachers, lay ministers and Local Ministerial Candidates of the church with terms of office where applicable.
Sample of the Sunday bulletin and weekly/monthly emails or mailers.
Church Calendar
Copy of minutes of meetings of all major boards and committees covering the past six months.
A list of all special events already scheduled.
Sample packet of materials being used in advertising, visitation, evangelism, disciple making, small group ministry, etc.
Copy of the current budget and the most recent audit (if available).

EIN Document
501(c)3 Documentation
Articles of Incorporation
By-Laws
Certificate of Insurance
List of persons responsible for all buildings and grounds and related operations.
Tips on the physical aspects of both the church and parsonage or the person you need to contact for this information. (For example, the location offuse boxes, hard-to-find switches).
(If applicable) Explain how parsonage utilities function: Arc deposits necessary? ls sewer cost included in the water bill? Time and cost of garbage pickup, etc.
Location oflabclcd keys to doors, closets, PA system, instruments, church vehicles, etc.
Record of where all deeds, insurance policies, incorporation papers and other documents arc kept.
Record of contractual agrccmcnts,job descriptions, evaluations and salary scale for all employed staff persons.

Recommendation of best places to shop and the location of a reliable auto repair garage.
Information on how the pastor’s salary is paid.
Referrals to competent health care professionals, i.e. doctor, dentist, and optometrist.
Explain any variations from the Conference Guidelines for vacation and/or time-away.

A list of individuals being followed up on for outreach or pastoral care.
Church directory or list of all families noting their occupation, place of employment, and names and ages of children.
Church family contact/outreach lists with appropriate notations.

List of community agencies ( counseling, food pantry, etc) with whom the church maintains a relationship; especially those to which referrals arc made.
List of area ministers with whom the pastor works, along with time and place of ministerial association mecti ngs and any comm unity and/or joint services.