Interim Ministry Training Using a Group Coaching Model
What is this course?
The Interim Ministry Training is based in the real-time real life work of an Intentional Interim Pastor, and will focus on interpersonal conversations, conducted online, as well as digital and print media. It will use a “coach-approach,” which believes that the participants are “creative, resourceful, and whole,” and is directed by a trained coach.
Three-quarters of participants’ time together will center around the process and issues facing the participants, with the remainder assigned to the mastery of knowledge essential to providing successful interim pastoral leadership. Participants will meet for one hour twice monthly over six months.
This training was initially designed by Fresh Thinking Coaching and Consulting and has been developed in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop.
Contextual Learning
Proficiency in the theories around interim ministry is important, even crucial. But equally necessary is knowing who you are in the setting, how you fit into the system, and learning how to self-manage in an anxious environment. We’ll work together to help you to practice your skills without getting trapped by your old habits and unhealthy internal messages, and being able to process what you’re doing with others who have the same questions and struggles. The group setting focuses on process, and encourages the participants to engage with one another and with the group coach to reflect on each participant’s context and their course of action.
This training includes 12 hours of group coaching time, one hour individual coaching at the time when you start in your interim context or at a time of your choosing, plus contextual work, reading and reflecting.
As a result of this course, pastors will have:
working knowledge of emotional intelligence, Theory U, and family systems theory.
improved self-awareness, conflict management and listening skills, and a roadmap for being an Intentional Interim Pastor.
strength to move through the synod’s transition manual, “Congregations in Transition: Moving into the Future” with input from peers.
Who can benefit from this course?
Pastors who are actively engaged in transitional ministries or are interested in interim ministry as a career path.
Current interim pastors wanting to hone/refresh their skills
Pastors in personal or professional transition
What does it cost?
The cost for the program is $649. Please make checks payable to Purposeful Pastor and mail to 1180 Sandstone Circle, Erie, CO 80516 or use the link below to pay with credit card.
Registration is Open for the 2024 Class that will begin in August!
All classes will be held via Zoom on Fridays on the dates listed from 9-10 am Mountain (Denver) Time.
“Congregations in Transition” can be accessed here. Please plan to purchase the other books. Since we will be discussing entire books in a one-hour class, we won't be doing many deep dives! Instead, as you read, look for passages that apply to your growth as an Interim, personally, professionally or in your current context (maybe all of the above). Where are you being challenged by what you're reading? What are your "aha!" learnings from the text? What could you apply directly to your life/context? We will also use what we are reading in our contextual conversations, so don't "skim!"