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Interim Ministry Training Cohort

What is the IMTC?

     The Interim Ministry Training Cohort is based in the real-time real life 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 an internationally accredited coach.  The format allows the participants the advantage of staying in their context while doing their study and reflection, and minimizes costs by eliminating travel.

     Participants’ time together will center around the process and issues facing the participants in situ, 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.

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IMTC has been developed in cooperation with and approved by the Office of the Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and we hope to expand to other judicatories in the near future.

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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.

     This cohort focuses on process, and encourages the participants to engage with one another and with the director to reflect on each participant’s context, their course of action, and the development of their capacity for this specialized work.   This cohort works hand-in-glove with the RMS Transition Manual for Congregations.  12 hours of cohort time plus contextual work, reading and reflection.

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As a result of this program:

     Pastors will have a working knowledge of emotional intelligence, Theory U, and family systems theory.

     Pastors will have improved self-awareness, conflict management and listening skills, and an RMS-approved road map for being an Intentional Interim Pastor in the Rocky Mountain Synod.

     

Meeting

Intentional time will be focused on:

  1. Emotional Intelligence

    1.  Self-Awareness

    2. Self-Regulation

    3. Community Awareness

    4. Community Management

  2. Theory U

    1. Re-structuring

    2. Re-designing

    3. Re-framing

  3. Family Systems Theory

  4. ​Creation of the Report of the Transition Team

  5. Developing Proficiency in meeting the challenges of pastoral ministry in an Intention Interim Setting

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  • The Five Developmental Tasks of the Transition Team

    • Coming to terms with history

    • Discovering a new identity

    • Managing shifts in leadership

    • Strengthening our sense of being the church together

    • Committing to our new future and a new leadership

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Who Can benefit from the Interim Ministry Training Cohort?

  • Pastors who are actively engaged in transitional ministries or are interested interim ministry as a career path

  • Current interim pastors wanting to hone/refresh their skills

  • Pastors in personal or professional transition

What is the cost of the Interim Ministry Training Cohort?  How do I register?

  • The cost is $525 and may be made in two payments, by check or credit card.  There is a $20 discount for checks.

  • To see when the next class begins please email: dana@freshthinking.online

  • or call 970-631-2417

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