NEXT CLASS
Begins October 6, 2022.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This training can benefit those who anticipate doing this ministry in the future as well as those who are currently in interim and transitional positions. It will also benefit settled clergy who are seeking to manage changes in their congregations. Both full-time/fully-supported and part-time/bi-vocational models will be explored.
This course will be limited in size to maximize participation.
CEUs are not current available for this program, although that is being explored. A certificate of completion will be issued upon satisfactory completion of all reading and assignments. Academic standards are expected of students and are maintained in instruction.
LOCATION:  
Remote participation through ZOOM. Individuals or small groups will be able to participate in the all-day sessions from their homes or a small group may choose to join from a conference room with appropriate technology. 
COST:
$995 (can be paid in full or in 2 installments due Sept.30, 2022 and Dec. 30, 2022) Includes  access to trainer for individual coaching during this instructional period. Office hours will be posted.

REGISTRATION:
  For questions, contact
    Email: mgilbert.iim@gmail.com
    Phone: 608-514-3290
Registration deadline: September 15, 2022

Format:
Classes will meet in 8 full-day sessions spaced three weeks apart with readings and assignments between sessions. The format includes presentation, small group discussion, and case study analysis to teach both theory and practice.
Sessions:
9:00am - 12:00pm and 1:30 - 3:30pm Central Time, October 6, 27, November 17, December 8, January 5, 26, 2023, February 16, and March 9. Several readings, video links, and other materials are provided in preparation for each session and practicum assignments follow each class to enhance understanding and application.
Goals:
Participants will learn theory and tools to assist churches to:
  •   seek God’s Spirit at work among them in the midst of situations of grief, tension, uncertainty, challenge, and change
  •   explore the direction, mission and ministry to which God might be calling them
  •   deal with obstacles to effective ministry
  •   claim and develop their spiritual gifts and resources
  •   make healthy transitions in pastoral leadership
  •   be ready to welcome the next steps with open arms

Course Outline
1.  What are we doing? How do we begin?
  • understanding the purpose and scope of interim ministry.
  • helping a congregation understand what interim ministry is
  • interviewing and contracting with the congregation to establish a  good working process with the congregation
  • assessing congregational needs & setting goals & priorities 
2.  Congregational Care in Times of Crisis and Change
  • understanding the congregation as an emotional system
  • dealing with grief, anger, loss, change and anxiety
  • pastoring an anxious system without depleting your soul
  • effects of church size on the system
3. Managing Organizational Structures & Developing Leadership
  • identifying how church size affects pastoral role and expectations
  • using an adaptive leadership approach
  • working with a church's polity
  • assessing how a congregation's structures enable or disable healthy functioning
  • discovering ways to develop and empower lay leadership
  • wrestling with issues of power, authority, management
4.  Keeping Your Cool When the Heat is Turned Up
  • expanding your and the church's abilities to manage conflict
  • controversy, comfort zones, and patterns of conflict
  • recognizing tension that helps and tension that hurts
  • what to do when you become the lightning rod
  • making use of behavioral covenants
5. Who and What is God Calling The Church and This Church to Be Now?
  • reframing the big questions
  • spiritual discernment for the church
  • tools and processes to encourage strength, hope, and vitality and  to help a congregation have conversations that matter
  • identifying core values
6.  Supporting the Congregational Search Process
  • respecting do's and don’ts
  • developing and leading mission studies
  • cultivating an understanding of the missional church
  • preparing a congregation for an effective search process
7.  Spiritual Anchors while the Ship is Moving
  • fostering congregational spiritual depth
  • guiding a congregation into finding their story in the Biblical narrative
  • worship and preaching during an interim time
  • spiritual resources for dealing compassionately and prophetically with congregational grief, healing, and change
8. Special Moments, Review and Good Endings
  • recognizing and cultivating Kiaros moments for interim purposes
  • determining what we’re in control of and what we’re not
  • celebrating congregational learning experiences
  • sustaining yourself through the rigors and rhythms of interim ministry
  • self-evaluation and exit interviews
  • saying a good good-bye (and meaning it!)