Transitional Ministry Education

The next Transitional Ministry Education 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 includes lodging and meals.

About

The Art of Transitional Ministry:

  • Week I - Introduction to Transitional Ministry

  • Week II - 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 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.

Check-in begins on Monday. 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.)

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 First Presbyterian in Evanston, IL, an historic, 550-member congregation on Chicago's Northshore. She has served 7 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. Dr. Barbara Wilson is the Associate Executive Presbyter, Chicago Presbytery. She leads in increasing internal capacity with leader teams and congregations to strengthen congregational vitality and mission impact, via building healthy collaboration and sustainable partnerships. Barbara is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coaching Federation (ICF), a trained practitioner of presencing (Theory U) and ToP Facilitation Methods. She is an adjunct professor, and master trainer of ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Interface and Trauma-Informed for Faith Communities curricula. She is a Qualified Administrator (QA) for the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), Healthy Congregations Facilitator and Transitional/Interim Ministry Instructor.

Rev. Mason Todd has been an ordained minister of word and sacrament for 12 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 is currently serving in his third transitional ministry position at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Lexington, NC.

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 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.