First published on this website in December 2005 and last updated in August 2011

When a church appoints a new Minister people are often not prepared for someone who has a different personality from his or her predecessor. There may well be other factors that are very different too.  Examples include leadership style, delegation, priorities, church practice, external responsibilities and gifts.

These notes open up the issue and then give six ideas for minimising hurt. Just being aware of the issue is a start. Having it out in the open should also help. Neither party should load the other with expectations they cannot match.