Transitional Ministry Education
The Transitional Ministry Education will be Monday, May 11-16, 2025. The in-person program will be hosted at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in Saint Louis, Missouri. On-line registration will open in February 2025.
About
The Art of Transitional Ministry
Week 1: Introduction to Transitional Ministry
Week 2: The Practice of Transitional Ministry
We live in a time of great transition in our churches and culture. Transitional Ministry Education is not limited to those presently engaged in or inquiring about the nature of transitional ministry. Anyone interested in learning about transitions in ministry is welcome to apply.
Basic Transitional Ministry Education consists of 60 contact hours plus a practicum. The contact hours are divided equally between two residency weeks: Week I (30 hours) and Week II (30 hours), separated by a practicum that combines reflection on, and experience in, some aspect of interim/transitional ministry.
The Mid America/Lincoln Trails (MALT) "Art of Transitional Ministry" training offers education for both Weeks I & II. Participants must complete both Residency Week I and all practicum assignments before taking part in Residency Week II. Those who complete the first week of basic education at another site must complete all MALT practicum assignments prior to attending Residency Week II.
If you desire to receive a Statement of Completion for any of the training programs offered, you must actively participate in all sessions in their entirety (30 hours for Weeks I and II).
LODGING
Lodging will be at the Mercy Center Conference and Retreat Center, 2039 N. Geyer Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63131. Registrants can expect simple yet comfortable retreat-style accommodations in a suburban neighborhood with lush grounds for outdoor exercise and contemplation.
Check-in for both Week I and II will begin at 10am on Monday, May 11, 2025. Please schedule your return flights to depart after 1pm on Friday afternoon, May 16, 2025.
In the event the program cannot be held in-person safely, the program fee will remain the same should the training be held virtually.
Spouses, while welcome, will be charged the full program rate for lodging and meals even if they are not participating in the training.
Persons needing to arrive in the St. Louis area on Sunday, May 11 due to flight or train schedules should indicate this on their registration and plan on checking into Mercy Center no earlier than 3:00pm or later than 7:30pm. Participants must check out of their rooms by 9:00 am on Friday, May 16.
MEALS
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be available at Mercy Center during the week. For persons arriving on Sunday, May 11, please note that no dinner will be served at Mercy Center that evening, and dinner will be on your own. Breakfast at 7:30am on Monday will be reserved for early check-ins.
Wednesday dinner will be on your own (Weeks I and II) and offers participants an opportunity to experience the St. Louis dining and nightlife scene at their leisure. Week I and II participants not willing to venture off-campus on Wednesday evening may arrange to dine at Mercy Center by prior reservation.
All meals will be served buffet style. Persons with specific dietary restrictions or requirements MUST make those known during registration. The food staff has done an excellent job of accommodating specific needs.
Staff
The Art of Transitional Ministry programs engage in Equipping Church Leaders for Ministry on the Edge. Both active and retired pastors and mid council executives experienced in Transitional Ministry provide educational training for pastors and elders interested in Transitional Ministry. All of the staff members have years of experience (in some cases, decades!) in transitional ministry settings as interim or transitional pastors, associate pastors, or interim/transitional mid-council and governing body executive staff.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Transitional Training?
Transitional Ministry Education is intended for those presently engaged in or inquiring about the nature of transitional ministry. This includes Temporary Transitional Ministry positions; which may include interim ministry, designated ministry, other temporary ministries, or Installed Transitional Ministry which includes all other parish ministry positions.
Does this training qualify for continuing education credit?
We offer a full thirty (30) hours of instruction for Weeks I and II, and twenty hours for Executive training. If you desire to receive a Statement of Completion for this event, you must actively participate in all sessions in their entirety (30 hours - Weeks I and II).
I have a funeral. Can I arrive late or leave early if necessary?
The answer is no. If you are planning to get a certificate of completion, that requires 30 contact hours of education. Please arrange for coverage to address any pastoral emergencies that may arise during your time away.
What is the refund policy for the program fee?
Until Wednesday, March 12, 2025 a 100% refund
Until Friday, April 11, 2025 a 50% refund
As of Saturday, April 12, 2025 no refund
In the event the programs cannot be held in-person for any reason, registrants will be contacted with information about rescheduling and virtual options.
THANK YOU!!!
For more information please contact Ms. Orlandra Brown, Administrative Assistant at office@synodma.org or call (913) 608-7662.