NEXT CLASS
Begins October 8, 2020.

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 and additional connection through Moodle learning management software. Individuals or small groups will be able to participate in the all-day sessions from their homes or, once social distancing measures are lifted, a small group may choose to join from a conference room with appropriate technology. 
COST:
$975 (can be paid in full or in 2 installments due Sept.30, 2020 and Jan. 30, 2021) Includes  access to trainer for individual coaching during this 8-month period. Office hours will be posted.

REGISTRATION:
  For questions, contact
    Email: mgilbert.iim@gmail.com
    Phone: 608-514-3290
Registration deadline: September 18, 2020

Format:
Classes will meet in 8 monthly full-day sessions with reading and practicum 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, the second Thursday of the month beginning October 8, 2020 through May 13, 2021. Readings 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 a new pastor with open arms


Course Outline
1.     Good Beginnings, Good Endings
  • getting a grasp on transitional ministry
  • helping a congregation understand what interim ministry is about 
  • assessing congregational needs, setting goals and priorities 
  • interviewing and negotiating a contract 
  • staying focused on the transition process
  • arranging for evaluation, closure & transitioning to the next pastor
2.  Congregational Care in Times of Crisis and Change
  • treating the congregation as an emotional system
  • dealing with grief, anger, loss, change 
  • developing a team approach to congregational care
  • pastoring an anxious system without depleting your soul
3.  Sizing Up a Church/Focus on Church Mission
  • identifying how church size affects pastoral role and expectations
  • helping a congregation navigate a size transition
  • jumping hurdles to change
  • recognizing signs a congregation is “stuck” and what to do about it
  • cultivating an understanding of the missional church
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.  Managing Organizational Structures & Developing Leadership
  • using an adaptive leadership approach
  • working with a church's polity
  • assessing how a congregation's structures enable or disable
  • discovering ways to develop and empower lay leadership
  • wrestling with issues of power, authority, management
6.  Supporting the Congregational Search Process
  • respecting do's and don'ts
  • using tools to help a congregation have conversations that matter
  • developing and leading mission studies
  • identifying core values
  • 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
  • preaching during an interim time
  • spiritual resources for dealing compassionately and prophetically
  • with congregational grief, healing, and change
8.  Reach-able & Teach-able Moments in the Life of a Congregation
  • recognizing and cultivating these 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