VTS Press Announces Publication of Rector Transitions

Virginia Theological Seminary
Posted Oct 17, 2018

Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) is proud to announce the publication of Rector Transitions: A Handbook for Episcopal Lay Leaders from author Van Sheets (VTS Press, 2018).

Rector Transitions is the only book about Episcopal church transitions written from a lay leader’s perspective. It is a comprehensive, faithfully optimistic, and Spirit-guided roadmap that will help you to discern God’s vision for your church and to find and establish a strong partnership with the new rector who will join you. The book also includes twenty-two tools designed to enhance lay leaders’ confidence, effectiveness, and efficiency throughout the transition lifecycle. With a foreword by The Rt. Rev. Frank Griswold, 25th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, this book is a call to spiritual leadership and discernment. “Getting a Rector search and transition right is so important,” said the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., dean and president. “This is a book packed with wisdom and insight that can make a difference to a successful church transition of clergy. It is a remarkably good book; accessible, wise, and practical.”

Sheets’ insights are grounded in experience as well as advice distilled from eighty-five primary and secondary research sources. Sheets has participated in leadership transitions in varied institutions, including as co-chair of the successful 2015-16 rector transition of his church. He has been active in churches in four US time zones, including as a senior warden in San Francisco, California and Dallas, Texas. He has served as a corporate CEO and currently leads a social enterprise that brings high-quality pre-school learning to economically disadvantaged children. He earned an AB from Duke University and an MBA from Harvard University.

The book is available on Amazon.com and by request at other retailers. All profits from sales of this book will be donated to Episcopal ministries. For more information and resources, visit www.RectorTransitions.com.


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