How was your current pastor (or education and music leader) welcomed when she/he started with your congregation? The act of welcoming in those first days is an important introduction to the community and everybody wants to feel like somebody is glad they’ve come on board.
On my first day of the new position, several of us went out to lunch. It was great and it was exactly what I needed. My point here is that I’m not expecting churches to shower the new person with gifts like he/she’s won the grand prize in a game show. I’m talking about little things that make life easier for the stranger who will become your pastor or other spiritual leader. Good ideas:
– If the person is totally new to the area, a small notebook with recommended barbers, auto repair shops, dentists, and tree surgeons. A neighborhood Angie’s List if you will.
– A basket of local treats like a couple of gift cards to local restaurants, a mug from the independent coffee shop on the corner, a recipe book from the women’s organization.
– A written institutional memory – or if you have some time – a homemade video featuring members with a tour of the building & grounds (“This tree was planted in memory of a great lady in the congregation who died in 2003.” “This room is named for the first pastor who was from Scotland – hence the tartan wallpaper.”) A video would be more interesting than a notebook, and it would give a very personal introduction to life in your congregation.
– And speaking of videos – a fun video with brief interviews about why you’re excited that ___ is your new pastor and your hopes for him/her. Interview the kids, the young adults, the old adults, the Roman Catholics across the street, the local mechanic, whomever. People could just say, “Hi I’m ___ and I just joined the church last summer but I’m glad you’re here. Welcome!” or – if you want to be funny/bold “Hi, I’m ____ and this is my spouse ____ and we are the ones who always complain about the AC. So we hope you’re cold-natured.”
How has your congregation welcomed a new person to your church staff? Or how have you been welcomed if you serve a congregation?
Good and not-so-good (i.e. what NOT to do) ideas are encouraged.
A Church for Starving Artists 
Wonderful ideas! I am imaging how much I would have appreciated and enjoyed any combination at the start-up of my various calls.
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Love the video ideas! The PNC where I serve supplied me with a huge “Angie’s List” of everything from hair stylists to dentists to grocery stores (with several options for each.) while we relocating. The “what’s your favorite pizza” party with a dozen different options was perfect for life here in Chicago.
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Here’s a “what not to do”
Don’t call your pastor elect after the congregation votes but before they even move onto the field and seek to get them to take your side in a congregational conflict. And when they don’t take the bait and take your side don’t call the presbytery and seek to stop the call.
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When we moved into the parsonage for my first call, it was stocked with nonperishables, kitchen towels, garden tools, etc. We joked that I was paid a cash salary, housing expenses, and a year’s worth of toilet paper. It was wonderfully generous. And we still use the towels. 🙂
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