What is From Starting to Parting? This resource has been created to guide congregational leaders in recruiting, hiring, supporting, and transitioning professional music and religious education leaders. Religious Education (Religious Exploration, Religious Growth and Learning, Faith Development, Faith Formation) and Music are both core program areas in congregational life. Accordingly, much of the information supplied here applies to both religious educators and musicians. Where appropriate, we offer separate considerations for the two types of positions. A lot of the guidance will also apply to other staff positions, especially lead program staff such as a Director of Membership or a Social Justice Coordinator.
Table of Contents
Part I: Introduction
- What is From Starting to Parting?
- How was it developed?
- Assumptions and Aspirations
- A Word About Best Practices
- Think Big: Your Congregation’s Mission and Vision
- A Work in Progress
Part II: Search
- Support for the Search Process
- Search Timeline
- Search Team
- Gathering Input
- Reflecting on Mission and Vision
- Budget
- New Position, Vacancy, or Reconfiguration
- Special Situations
- Interim and Acting Positions
- Inside Candidates and Members as Staff
- Personnel Policies
- Creating or Modifying the Position Description
- Publicity
- Screening and Interviewing
Part III: Starting Well
- Finalize Position Description
- Employment Agreement
- Announce and Prepare
- Welcome
- Establishing Staff Identity
Part IV: Supporting Staff
- Ongoing Support
- Staff Teams
- Supervision
- Performance Management
- Staff Team, Supervision, & Performance Management Challenges
- Additional Resources
Part V: Departures
- Why Staff Leave
- Voluntary Resignations
- Involuntary Departures
- Exit Interviews
- Retirement
Appendices
I: Creating a Program Mission/Vision Statement
II: Sharing Responsibility