Lead Change
Meet Scott
Scott debuted Transitional Ministry Workshops in 2015 at Menuch Retreat & Conference Center after many years of teaching Interim Ministry at both the Seattle (‘07, ‘08, ‘09, ‘10, ‘11) and Princeton Theological Seminary (‘07, ‘08, ‘09) sites. His framework for TMWorkshops, called the Elements of Change, is based on some of the key concepts of interim ministry as well as his own experience of working with congregations in transition. When he’s not pondering transitional ministry, he’s usually hiking with his kids or baking overly complicated gourmet cookies.
Serves as Co-Executive Presbyter // Seattle Presbytery
Other Service // GA Special Committee on Per Capita and Financial Sustainability, Interim Pastor, Stated Supply Pastor, Church Consultant.
Areas of Focus // Elements of Change, Leading Change, (Anti) Mission Study, Family Systems
Meet Eliana
Eliana joined Transitional Ministry Workshops in 2017 after serving as temporary and "gap" pastor in several churches. As co-executive presbyter, she works primarily with congregations in all types of transitions, pastoral leaders, and new expressions of worshiping communities.
Serves as Co-Executive Presbyter // Seattle Presbytery
Other Service // Vice moderator for the Committee of the Office of the General Assembly, Strategy Team for NEXT
Areas of Focus // The New Neighborhood, Theology & Worship in Times of Change, Race, Equity & Diversity, Are We Closing?
“I’d like to encourage all professional ministers to take TMWorkshops– whether you intend to serve in an intentional interim role or not.
All congregations are in transition.
All of them need leaders who understand how to navigate those transitions.”
— REV. DR. JAN EDMISTON GENERAL PRESBYTER, PRESBYTERY OF CHARLOTTE CO-MODERATOR
222ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)
The Format of TMWorkshops
The format for TMWorkshops, like ministry itself, is ever evolving.
2023 Online Format
Based on feedback from past participants, we’ve decided to offer twice a month zoom workshops with a once a month small group discussion for 2023. We know there’s something special about being together in person, but a one week download of information is not the best format for meaningful engagement in the practice of transitional ministry. Plus with the rising cost of airfare and retreat facilities, the current zoom format is more equitable and accessible for pastors of all church sizes and roles. Additionally, both the content and pace of the presentations allow participants to reflect and practice what they’re learning in real time.
Zoom Recordings Available Online
Another big change this year is the ability to participate in these workshops at your own pace. By making the zoom presentations available online, participants can either join live or watch the recordings later (or both!). This is a huge benefit of the online format — the ability to review the content on demand.
Discussion Groups
We do want participants to connect with the material and with each other, so we’re adding a monthly small group discussion requirement to ensure that we supplement the large group experience on zoom with a smaller, more relational, discussion opportunity. This is new for 2023.
2023 TMW Retreat?
OK, we are in the very early stages of planning our first ever TMW Retreat. It will be open to all those who have participated in a TMWorkshop. It will probably be in the Seattle area in late July. Though there will be some exploration of the practice of transitional ministry, the format will be a retreat, not a workshop. The goal will be rest, encouragement, connection, and support. Sign up below for Retreat Updates.
FAQ
IS THIS INTERIM MINISTRY TRAINING?
Yes and No. Ministry has changed substantially since the 1980s when interim ministry began. Even though there is still a need for interim pastors, most churches need pastors who are able to help them make meaningful change. These pastors are called by all sorts of names now. We talk about all the various transitional settings in this training event, not just the interim setting.
IS THIS THE TRAINING THAT USED TO BE AT MENUCHA (IN PORTLAND, OR)?
Yes. This is the online version of that training event that we did for about 5 years at Menucha. We never planned to do this training online, but COVID forced us to change our plans. Because there is high demand for these workshops, we’ve decided to 1). keep it online to increase access and affordability, and 2). plan our first ever TMW retreat for those who have completed TMW1 and TMW2.
I WAS TOLD TO TAKE “INTERIM TRAINING,” WILL THIS COUNT?
Yes. But we’re not going to spend all of our time talking about the transition from one pastor to the next — that’s an old modality. If you want a more traditional interim training event, you might check out the Interim Ministry Network or some of the other PCUSA sites.
SO WHAT MAKES THIS TRAINING DIFFERENT?
Interim ministry focuses on preparing a congregation for a change of pastor. Our training starts with the need for change in every congregation, regardless of the status of the pastor. Our framework focuses on how to lead a congregation through the Elements of Change.
WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF CHANGE?
The Elements of Change is a framework that describes the dynamics of change in congregations. It is a concept that the lead presenter of TMWorkshops, Scott Lumsden, came up with based on his 20 years of working with congregations in both interim, transitional, and conflictual settings. It’s based on the concepts and readings we’ve used in interim ministry training for decades, but it’s adapted for our current ministry setting.
WILL I GET A CERTIFICATE?
Certificates of completion are given when participants complete all the requirements of each workshop. We find however that most participants are more interested in putting these concepts into practice than in getting a certificate. But we understand that some judicatory bodies want the old fashioned certificate.