Basic Training in Transitions: A LuTMA Course for Interim Ministry

October 14, 21, 28 / November 4, 11, 18 / December 2 / January 13, 20, 27 / February 3, 10

Via Webcast | LIVE ONLINE

Accepting or pursuing an interim position may feel like walking into an unknown futureone that’s difficult or even impossible to prepare for in advance. Here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be.

This course is designed to certify you for interim ministry, while also equipping you with the leadership skills required to handle things like church culture, dynamics, and expectations.

Registration Closed

What You’ll Learn

  • Tools to help congregations define their present reality and plan for their future
  • Helpful language for describing the dynamics of a system experiencing transition
  • Increased awareness of the roles people play in congregations and how they experience change differently
  • Areas of focus for a congregation to explore the future God is inviting them to explore
  • … and so much more!

SHIFT MINISTRY MODELS


This course will help you harness the skills of agile leadership and managementallowing you to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape
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Workshop Agenda

Phase 1: Congregational Dynamics and Transitions

Throughout this first phase, you and your learning cohort will utilize a mixture of small and large group gatherings (via Zoom), independent reading assignments, videos, and reflections to explore congregational dynamicsincluding emotions and tensionsand the role they play in navigating transition.

These sessions will help you take a closer look at the culture and “mental model” of your congregation. You’ll examine the correlations between the size and structure of your congregation and your leadership style, and better understand the ways you manage conflict. Conflict is a part of life, and periods of transition have a way of amplifying and exposing its presence in your congregation.

Understanding all of these critical aspects is key to guiding your faith community towards a healthy future.

Phase 2: The Transitional Leader

After several months of remote work and virtual meetings, phase two allows you to be physically present with your learning cohort for a five-day residential gathering. These events are scheduled between the end of February and the end of April and will be held in Orlando, FL, St. Louis, MO, and Irvine, CA.

Pulling together everything you’ve learned in phase one, this gathering is an opportunity to put those pieces together to solidify your certification in interim ministry.

Phase 3: Fieldwork Transition Practice

This optional five-month phase provides guided practice within a ministry setting and is facilitated by a mentor/coach.

Note: Travel, food, and lodging for the 2022 residential Phase 2 locations are not included. For more information see lutma.org or call the LuTMA office.

Meet the Instructors

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Lois Van Orden is an Intentional Interim Pastor who serves congregations that suffered from clergy misconductincluding her current congregation. She also serves as the Executive Director for LuTMA. Ordained in 2005 after a management career in the corporate world, Lois brings much leadership experience to ministry and relies on her analytical skills to quickly identify problems and assess the best course of action, to motivate and encourage people toward building up the body of Christ, and she offers a well-planned, organized approach in moving toward healthy congregational behavior. Lois finds much joy in helping others as they unpack their pain and suffering, discover their new identity and define their new vision during the interim period.
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Peter Alexander has trained over 300 Lutheran pastors in the practice of intentional interim ministry. Currently, he is the Dean of the Training Faculty for the Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association (LuTMA). Besides having been an Intentional Interim Senior Pastor for ten metro congregations in California, DC, NJ, and Arizona, Peter also serves as a consultant to several LCMS Districts and their national board. A former high school educator and campus pastor, he has a passion for the world of ideas and the intersection of Gospel and culture.

How it Works

Join Lois Van Orden and Peter Alexander, along with colleagues from the LuTMA training faculty, for a seven-month journey in two parts that begins the week of October 14, 2021.

Participate in 12 live, online, 90-minute presentations

(Phase 1) with break-out groups on Thursdays from 2:00 - 3:00 PM Central, as well as 10 gatherings with your small group at an agreed-upon time.

Discuss your experience within a safe context

Throughout the course, breakout sessions will allow chances to discuss and apply what you’re learning with people asking the same questions as you.

Develop Meaningful Connections

Transitions within the life of your congregation can be stressful sometimes. That’s why it’s important to have people to turn to who understand the issues you’re facing. This course will allow you to build those relationships.

REGISTRATION INFO

Get access to the full course for $1,500.

  • All three phases (60 contact hours)
  • Recorded replay of the entire course
  • Experiments and assignments to try in context
  • A safe space to connect, discuss, and share
Registration closed