Exit Interviews: Supporting Healthy Transitions – June 2025 Featured COMma Article

Exit Interviews: Supporting Healthy Transitions

A minister has given notice to their congregation that they will be moving to a different ministry setting, following the proper protocols and procedures set forth in their Call Agreement. They have contacted the chair of the Committee on Ministry to request an exit interview as part of their leave-taking.

Practices regarding exit interviews with departing clergy will vary from one Committee on Ministry to the next. Some may have a long-established process, while others may conduct one only at the minister’s request or if they have been made aware that the minister is not parting with the congregation on good terms.

Regardless of specifics, an exit interview gives both partners in ministry an opportunity to celebrate the positives of the relationship, acknowledge shortcomings, and bring closure for both sides. Representatives of a COM may serve as hosts and mediators in order to facilitate healthy conversation and keep everyone on task.

The MESA resource A Sure Foundation sets out some guidelines for a Committee on Ministry’s participation in an exit interview. They include:

1. Sending representatives, usually 1-2 members, to facilitate the interview, rather than have the entire COM attend. One may serve as the coordinator of the date, time, and location, while the other serves as the moderator of the gathering.
2. The church may also send representatives, such as members of the governing board or the Pastoral Support Committee.
3. COM members may coordinate a separate one-on-one meeting with the departing minister. If there has been significant conflict, it may be advisable for minister and congregation members to meet separately.
4. The COM members help set the agenda for the interview, which may include 1), Welcome and Introductions, 2) an opening prayer, 3) clearly stating the purpose of the exit interview, including instituting a behavioral covenant, 4) introducing the process, including identifying someone who will take notes to be shared with all attendees, 5) asking questions for minister and congregation to reflect on and answer (a list of suggestions are found in A Sure Foundation), 6) a closing prayer, and 7) any necessary follow-up actions identified by COM members before or during the interview.

An exit interview can be one of many processes that can aid in a healthy and faithful conclusion of a ministry partnership. A Committee on Ministry well-equipped and prepared for this process will serve as an important asset for ministers and congregations as they work through the many complex dynamics and emotions of such an ending.

Questions for Reflection

1. What is your Committee on Ministry’s current approach to conducting exit interviews with ministers and/or congregations?
2. How recently have Committee on Ministry members been informed or trained on the process of the exit interview? Who could you identify to help provide such training?
3. If you have been part of an exit interview, how did it go? How did participants find it helpful or detrimental, and why?