Pastor Mitch Phillips, Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership, is responsible for accompanying congregations and rostered ministers through transitions. The transition process for congregations moves through five phases:

• Phase 1: Saying Farewell
• Phase 2: Exploring God’s Call
• Phase 3: Entering the Call Process
• Phase 4: Primary Candidate
• Phase 5: Welcome & Celebration

Pastor Phillips is the point of contact for congregations anticipating or during a vacancy. He can be reached at the synod office, via e-mail (mphillips@neos-elca.org), or by scheduling a conversation via Calendly that aligns with your availability: https://calendly.com/neos-phillips.

More information about these Phases of Transition can be found in the following document:
Phases of Transition