PTS Offers the Art of Transitional Ministry – Part 1
Guiding a Congregation Through Change and Transition
What?
The basic education program for Transitional / Interim Ministry explores the unique dynamics of the congregation during a change in pastoral leadership or other significant transition. It equips the pastor with knowledge, analytical skills, and practical approaches needed to help the congregation use this opportunity as a time for renewal.
Who?
The basic education program is designed for persons engaged in transitional / interim ministry, clergy who are considering ministry in transitional settings, and members of Presbytery staffs, Commissions on Ministry, and comparable representatives from other denominations than the PC(USA).
Why?
Through this program, the Office of Continuing Education seeks to support the Church with trained leadership, so that judicatories and churches may continue to discover that the interim period can be a “prime time” for the renewal of mission and ministry.
Where?
All sessions will be held at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. (Directions.) Limited overnight housing is available on campus; additional housing is available at local hotels (listings will be provided upon request). To reserve a room on campus, please contact our hospitality office at [email protected] or 412-924-1397. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
Schedule, Registration, and Other Details
The Transitional Ministry Basic Education program is designed to the meet the guidelines of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It includes 30 contact hours in each of two week-long sessions offered in morning, afternoon, and evening blocks. Participants are expected to focus fully on this program during the full length of the class. Arrangements should be made in advance for coverage of pastoral responsibilities. Attendance for all 30 contact hours is necessary to receive a certificate of completion.
Dates: Mon., March 5 – Fri., March 9, 2018
Tentative Class Schedule: Check-in: Monday, 8:45 a.m., Tuesday and Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.; Monday and Thursday: 9:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. Friday: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. A detailed schedule will be distributed on Monday of the class.
Instructors: Paul Rhebergen and Jan Nolting Carter
Registration Fee: $425 + lodging and meals. Refreshment breaks will be provided.
Advance Preparation: Attendees should purchase and read the following texts in advance of their arrival.
- Transitional Ministry Today: Successful Strategies for Churches and Pastors, edited by Norman B. Bendroth. Rowan & Littlefield
- Creating a Healthier Church: Family Systems Theory, Leadership, and Congregational Life, by Ronald W. Richardson. Fortress Press
- Christianity after Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening, by Diana Butler Bass. Harper One
Questions: E-mail [email protected] or call 412-924-1345.