Page History

Goals for Transition

There are There may be times when a missionary wishes to change the ministry with which they serve while remaining assigned overseas with Reliant. These types of transitions are possible, and our desire in these cases is for missionaries to transition wellyou may choose to move to a new ministry while staying employed with Reliant. These could be:

• Planned: Moving to a long-term team after an initial residency or training program.
• Unplanned: Due to life changes or ministry-related differences with your current team or leadership.

Whatever the reason, our goal is to provide you with the tools and support you need to transition well.

...

Steps for Transition

1. The missionary hoping to transition to a different ministry begins a conversation with Reliant prior to transitioning.
2. The missionary identifies new partnership and supervisor.
3. The new supervisor forms partnership with Reliant on behalf of the receiving ministry following the normal new partnership process.
4. The new supervisor provides Reliant with the following:

1. New Job Description
2. New Support Goal
3. Start dates for new role

Bridging Transition

1. The missionary hoping to transition to a different ministry needs to communicate the following to Reliant via email to international@reliant.org :
   1. Contact information for new supervisor and ministry.
   2. Brief description of role with new ministry.
   3. Desired timing of the transition – missionary must ensure that reasonable expectations/ responsibilities have been fulfilled before transitioning away.
   4. Discussion of impact on ministry the missionary is leaving.
   5. Discussion about who relates to the people that the missionary shepherds.  
      1. It should be considered normal that the missionary does not bring their network of disciples with them if they move from one congregation to another and remain in the same city as this would trigger a church split.  At the same time, the leadership of the ministry has the right to bless the out-going missionary with that discipleship group if they wish and if it is not disruptive. 
   6. Communication plans with the ministry the missionary is leaving
2. Once the above information is collected, Reliant will reach out to the ministry the missionary is leaving to collect/ understand the following:
   1. An exit evaluation, when appropriate:
      1. The supervisor of the ministry the missionary is leaving will be asked to complete an exit evaluation, giving the opportunity for comment leadership if they believe this change is combined with sin issues that may disqualify the missionary from further services. 
   2. Blessing of move of ministry if staying in same city.
   3. Description of expectations related for completion of responsibilities and relational connection.
   4. Follow up that agree-upon steps have been taken 30 days after the change. (or before - the time can be set by the various players)

Communicating Transition to Donors

1. Notify Reliant
   Share your reasons for the transition and your proposed timeline.

2. Inform Your Current Leadership
   Work together to create a transition plan.

3. Confirm Good Standing
   Reliant will verify with your current leadership that you are leaving on good terms or having reconciled any conflict. This can be done via

   • Written letter of reference
   • Your most recent annual review

4. Connect Reliant with Your New Ministry
   We will guide them through the New Partnership Process.

5. Communicate with Financial Partners
   Inform them of your transition and invite continued partnership.

6. Finish Well
   Complete your responsibilities and consider taking a short break (furlough, sabbatical, or debrief) before starting your new role.

7. Submit Updated Documents

   • A new Job Description
   • A Support Goal Worksheet
   • New SGW and Crisis Management plans if moving countries

...

Transition Planning Checklist

When planning your transition, consider:

• Desired timing of the transition
• Impact on your current ministry and those you shepherd
• Who will assume your responsibilities
• Major ministry events or initiatives that could affect timing
• When and how donors will be notified
• Contact information for your new supervisor and ministry
• A brief description of your new role

Note: If you remain in the same city, it is generally expected that you will not take your discipleship network with you, as this could cause division. However, your current leadership may choose to bless you with that group if it is not disruptive.

...

Decision & Discernment Period

If it’s clear you will transition but your next steps are uncertain, Reliant provides 90 days of decision and discernment starting the day after your current responsibilities end. This is in addition to any final furlough or sabbatical. During this time, you can:

• Evaluate your calling to continue in a support-based ministry role
• Seek counsel from your Sending Church and trusted advisors
• Explore new opportunities and network with like-minded workers
• Spend significant time in prayer for guidance

...

Communicating with Donors

When informing your financial partners:

• Celebrate your time with your current ministry (share 1–2 key impacts)
• Thank them for their partnership
• Explain your transition and timeline
• Share details about your new role or discernment period
• Avoid negative comments about people or ministries
• Invite continued partnership during the transition and beyond
• Send your draft letter to international@reliant.org before sharing it with your ministry team

...