Transitional Ministry Education - week I only
The next Transitional Ministry Education for week 1 only will be April 27 - May 1, 2026. The in-person program will be hosted at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center located at 2039 N. Geyer Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63131. Program fee of $1,100 includes private room and meals. Registration closes April 3, 2026.
About
The 2026 Mid America/Lincoln Trails (MALT) "Art of Transitional Ministry" training offers education for Week I - Introduction to 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.
If you desire to receive a Statement of Completion for the training program offered, you must actively participate in all sessions in its entirety.
LODGING
Lodging will be at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center. Participants can expect simple yet comfortable retreat-style accommodations in a suburban neighborhood with lush grounds for outdoor exercise and contemplation.
We ask that all participants arrange to arrive and check into Mercy Center no later than Noon on Monday, April 27. Orientation will begin promptly after lunch (which is provided) with opening worship at 1:00pm. Participants must check out of their rooms by 9:00am on Friday. Please schedule your return flights to depart after 1:00pm on Friday. If you are arriving to St Louis via plane or train, please arrange transportation to and from Mercy Center (i.e. Uber or Lyft.)
There is no lodging available at Mercy Center for Sunday, April 26. Persons needing to arrive in the St. Louis area on Sunday due to travel plans will need to make their own arrangements at another hotel for Sunday night.
Spouses, while welcome, are responsible for their own meals if they are not participating in the training.
There are NO WEAPONS ALLOWED on the premises (i.e. guns, knives, tasers, mace, etc.)
MEALS
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be available at Mercy Center during the week. Persons with specific dietary restrictions or requirements MUST make those known during registration. The food staff does an excellent job of accommodating specific needs.
Wednesday dinner will be on your own and offers participants an opportunity to experience the St. Louis dining and nightlife scene at their leisure. Participants not willing to venture off campus on Wednesday evening may arrange to dine at Mercy Center by prior reservation.
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.
Rev. Dr. Tassie Green joined the MALT faculty in 2019 and serves as the team leader. Tassie has served congregations from 70-4000 members. She is currently Interim Senior Pastor at Winnetka Presbyterian on Chicago's Northshore. She has served 8 other interim roles and worked for the Presbytery of Chicago as a trainer and coach, plus served large congregations in Hinsdale, Indianapolis, and Philly as installed associate pastor for families.
Rev. Mason Todd has been an ordained minister of word and sacrament for 14 years. A graduate of Union Presbyterian Seminary (Charlotte Campus), he has served congregations all over the United States. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and an avid Gamecock fan. He has served in three transitional ministry positions, and is currently serving New Hope Presbyterian Church in Lexington, NC.
Rev. Dr. Deborah Boucher-Payne. has been an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) for 34 years. She has served as a congregational pastor in New York, Nebraska and Iowa, as well as the Director of Pastoral Care at a regional trauma center and transplant center for 16 years. She has also served as the General Presbyter and Stated Clerk of the Missouri Union Presbytery for eight years. Deborah began her ministry with the Synod of Mid-America in January 2024.
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.
It’s been 10 years since I took Week 1. What should I do?
If it’s been 10 years or more that you have taken week 1, we suggest that you repeat it before taking Week 2.
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 Friday, February 27, 2026 a 100% refund
Until Friday, March 27, 2026 a 50% refund
As of Saturday, March 28, 2026 no refund
In the event the program cannot be held in-person for any reason, the program fee will remain the same and registrants will be contacted with information about rescheduling and virtual options.